This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016

Climate action

The year 2016 will be a make it or break it year for humans and climate action. Last year, 2015, was the hottest on record. Florida, our neighbor, is seeing increased flooding and even a tornado in January of this year.

The only good news is that oil extraction is falling due to lower demand, benefiting the average consumer and slowing carbon dioxide emissions. There are two ways consumers cam help this trend continue. First, become more efficient in our daily lives, and second, push Congress for a fee on carbon that will be returned to the consumer.

Citizens Climate Lobby members visit our legislators every year to promote a low but increasing carbon fee on the industry. This fee is to be returned to the consumer and will help us and industry to advance the renewable energy sources and also become a more sustainable community.

Rich or poor, black or white, we must embrace the reality of climate change and work together to slow it's effects, so the next generation is not so burdened by our past inaction to this growing problem.

— Fred Gunter

Macon

Congressional spending spree

Bill Ferguson's column was very interesting. I believe the writers of the Constitution incorporated the provisions for the states to convene a convention in order to amend the Constitution was to protect state rights and restrict the overreach of the federal government. Two of the most recommended amendments are: Term Limits and a balanced federal budget. I think these are desired because most voters believe the federal government is too big and that it tries to do too much. Just think about how many departments and agencies have been established over the last 100 years.

I believe these two problems could be resolved if voters stopped re-electing incumbents who have spent us to the brink of financial ruin. In 2000 there was a surplus. But since then Congress has been on a spending spree. The federal deficit has more than doubled. In order to get through the 2016 elections, Congress has suspended the debt limit until March 2017. By that time, the debt will be over $20 trillion. This means the government will have to pay over $400 billion a year in interest.

I believe Congress' fiscal irresponsibility is the greatest threat to our nation. Congress cannot spend itself out of this predicament. Sooner or later the government will have difficulty obtaining lenders. At that time the only way the government can attract lenders is to raise interest rates. Not only will this increase the debt but Congress will have less revenue to fund the government. Congress will have to drastically cut back spending not only for defense but all other government expenditures.

Therefore, I implore all voters to use reason, not emotion, when they vote in November.

— Jim Costello

Perry

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 8:59 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 ."