Opinion: Mitt Romney's ability to read a balance sheet doesn't qualify him for presidency

A couple of things occurred to me about that statement. First, running a business is not the same thing as running a government. I know how to manage a household budget, but that doesn’t make me an economist, any more than Mr. Romney’s ability to read a balance sheet qualifies him to handle the duties of the presidency.

He would need to do more than guarantee dividends to his investors. For example, he doesn’t seem to understand funding for education. He has mentioned that as president, he would see to it that all parents would be able to send their children to schools of choice. That is the job of the state, not the federal government. Of course, this misunderstanding may not be his fault, since his newest education advisor is the one who couldn’t seem to get “No Child Left Behind” off the ground.

The one good idea Gov. Romney had about health care is something he’s attempting to disavow. (“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”) He also goes along with a favorite Republican idea of slashing funds for Meals on Wheels and transport and respite care for the handicapped. Mr. Romney does agree, however, that those who make the most money should get ever more tax breaks, leaving the rest of us to pick up the tab for all of this. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but shouldn’t America’s billionaires chip in? Before anyone mentions that they are the ones who create the jobs, I would suggest noticing how many of them close businesses here in order to open them in other countries, where people work for 65 cents an hour.

Before you make up your minds about who to vote for this fall, become a news junkie. Do your homework. You may disagree with me entirely, which is your right, but don’t leave the decision-making up to those in both parties who dream up those 20-second sound bites. Read. Listen. Think.

Donna Angle
Ypsilanti