Congratulation to New Times for the commentary by Otis Page (“Find consensus first,” Feb. 5). The commentary is correct that our present economic problem must be accurately defined before being acted on by our politicians, who must not confuse the manifestations of the problem as being the problem.

By this I mean unemployment is a manifestation of the problem.  Mortgage foreclosures, lower car sales, the general retraction of market demand are manifestations of the problem. Is the limitation of credit the problem? If so, how would larger down payments on loans relieve the problem? I recommend that the politicians define the real problem and not leap at reckless spending.

-- Ken Goodman - Arroyo Grande

-- Ken Goodman - Arroyo Grande

-- Ken Goodman - Arroyo Grande