I applaud Judson Duncan’s letter (Aug. 22) in defense of President Barack Obama for pointing out the seldom remembered fact that, “all spending bills originate in the House,” so the president should not be blamed for the deficit.

I would just add that the bills must then be approved by the Senate to become final. Both houses of Congress.

Duncan then goes on to immediately inject former President George W. Bush into his tirade about the debt. Sorry, Judson can’t have it both ways.

As for who spent the money? Let’s just address his obsession with the aircraft carriers. Of the 10 super carriers approved by the House, only one was started (keel laid down) after 2000 (don’t you just hate it when facts get in the way). The first was, in fact, started in 1968.

To break it down simply, for five of the carriers (started in 1968, 1970, 1975, 1991, 1993) the Democrats controlled the House and the Senate. For three more (started in 1981, 1984, 1986), Democrats controlled just the House (remember who originates spending bills). For one (started in 2001), Democrats controlled only the Senate. Republicans controlled the House and Senate for only one (started in 1998) of the 10.

If we must place blame, try to remember fifth-grade civics class: “The president proposes, the Congress disposes.”

So, when former President Bill Clinton takes credit for “his” balanced budget, remember that for his last six years in office he had a Republican-controlled House and Senate.

James McKinley, Poland

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