The recession is far from over, and so many people in my community are struggling to pay their bills, find a decent job, and make a good life for their kids. Yet this reality has seemingly gone unnoticed by Rep. Andy Harris and the Republicans in Washington. The Republicans just passed a budget that would abolish Medicare as we know it while doling out even more tax cuts for the rich.

The Republicans are endangering a program that provides vital health care services to most Americans over the age of 65. It's downright irresponsible to leave seniors' health care to the mercy of private insurance companies. Our local representative, Mr. Harris, voted for this Republican budget and put tax cuts for millionaires before the health and well-being of seniors.

It is time to tell Congressman Harris, and all the Republicans in Congress that enough is enough. Programs that protect our parents and grandparents, like Medicare, should not be on the chopping block to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.

Our nation has a budget problem that requires increased revenue as well as reduced spending. Corporations and the wealthy need to pay their fair share. Across the board cutting of programs cannot exclude the Department of Defense or Homeland Security.

One would think that Dr. Harris, an anesthesiologist himself, would better understand the role Medicare plays for seniors and the disabled to keep them from catastrophic medical bills and bankruptcy. Perhaps he is just interested in privatizing Medicare so he can increase what he charges his patients without any limitations caused by negotiated payments with Medicare.

Ken Smith, Salisbury