What mandate? | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As I watch the back-and-forth in Washington and listen to who claims a "mandate" or has "the upper hand," I can't believe they really believe they have a case.

Of the 315 million people in the United States, 236 million are 18 years old and older. In the November election, President Barack Obama received 60 million votes and Gov. Mitt Romney received 57 million. So 176 million did not vote for Obama's ideas on spending and taxes, and 179 million did not vote for Romney's. The vast majority weren't excited with either side. So where is the mandate?

It is sixth grade math to figure that to close the budget deficit gap, significant changes in taxes and spending must happen. Most Americans are willing to sacrifice if they feel it is shared fairly by all.

It is time for both sides to quit playing to their special interests and do what is right for the whole country.

Scott Miles

Salt Lake City