Government spending clearly needs some adjusting. But a budget is a statement of our priorities, and balancing our spending on the backs of our nation's seniors is not the right approach.

If we don't get a grip on government spending, there will be no growth.

I do not intend to dispute in any way the need for defence cuts and the need for government spending cuts in general. I do not share a not in my backyard approach to government spending reductions.

It is time we passed a balanced budget amendment and return this government to limited spending.

Unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcy - the cure is not more government spending, but helping businesses create jobs.

The goal is to reduce the size and scope of government spending, not to focus on the deficit. The deficit is the symptom of the disease.