A Billion Here, A Billion There

To the Editor:

Re: A letter in your May 16 issue from Richard G. DiPaola. There is no way to fault Mr DiPaola’s comments and suggestions on the budget. They are right on target. I write only to amend a quotation in the final paragraph of his letter.

“The old senator” was actually Everett Dirksen of Illinois, longtime Senate minority leader [1959–1969]. Variously known as a golden orator and a pompous windbag, Mr Dirksen nevertheless came up, from time to time, with a memorable line. The one referring to the national budget was even more amusing than Mr DiPaola remembers. The senator said, “A billion here, a billion there, and the first thing you know you’re talking about real money.”

I remember this because I was a constituent of the senator’s in the 30s and 40s.

Clarence Fischer

153 Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                                   May 20, 2003