(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

Leave it to Rep. Alex Mooney to compose a long op-ed that complains but offers no solutions. It is one of his strongest capabilities.

Mooney complains about “reckless spending” and needing to get budgets under control, even applying convoluted logic to tie spending to “woke leftist race and gender policies.”

What are his proposals? Where does he suggest spending be cut? What concrete, specific steps has he promoted to reign in spending? Zero. Zilch. He just inflames by tossing red meat to his extreme constituency. That’s another of his strongest capabilities.

Where should we cut, Mr. Mooney?

Social Security, Medicare, ACA, and children’s health (CHIP), constitute 46% of the budget. Should we cut there? Where? Who loses out? Please be specific, Mr. Mooney.

Defense consumes 13%. Shall we cut weapons or salaries Mr. Mooney? How much? From what category?

Interest on debt takes 10% of spending. Shall we default, Mr. Mooney?

Veterans and federal retiree benefits constitute another 8%. Yes, let’s punish those that devoted themselves to national service, Mr. Mooney.

Economic security pulls 8%, including things like Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Unemployment, food stamps, SSI for elderly and disabled low-income citizens, school meals, home energy assistance, child care assistance, etc. Where do we cut there, Mr. Mooney? How many West Virginians should we hurt?

The remaining 15% of the budget covers education, transportation, agriculture, scientific research, law enforcement, and a plethora of small categories. No real impact on deficits by trimming there.

Where oh where do you cut, Mr. Mooney?

Oh, and keep in mind that over 45% of West Virginia revenue comes from federal funding, so we also need to talk about where federal spending cuts will require cuts in our state budget.

I’m sorry to spoil your diatribe with facts, Mr. Mooney. Perhaps if you scream “WOKE” and “LIBERAL” a little louder, no one will notice you don’t know what you’re talking about and elect you as U.S. Senator.

Eric Thacker

Parkersburg