Letter: It's easy to figure reason for deficit

Many Americans believe lower tax rates mean less revenue will flow into the federal government. This is not true.

According to reports, the "fiscal cliff" deal will soak the rich for $60 billion a year for 10 years for $600 billion.

When former President George W. Bush cut taxes for every American paying the federal income tax in 2003, total federal revenue was $793.7 billion, jumping to $1.16 trillion by 2007.

The reason we have a deficit is we spend more money than we take in. It's too bad more Americans don't understand common sense.

FRANCIS J. JOHNSON

Glenmont