Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay. Which claim does this excerpt make?
If the government would stop spending a lot of money
on national landmarks, the average American could pay
much less in taxes.
National landmarks are popular tourist destinations, and
some of them, such as bridges or dams, perform
important functions. But it costs money to keep these
places running and open for tourists, so who is going to
pay? When the government pays, the money comes from
people's taxes. Most people would rather pay lower taxes,
so the government has to cut back on its spending.
Maintaining national landmarks is a luxury we cannot
afford. I think there are many more important things that
the government can spend our money on, such as helping
people who do not have enough food, making sure all
children get a good education, and keeping all of us safe.
Many national landmarks serve a variety of important
functions, and they are popular tourist destinations.
Soneone needs to pay for the maintenance of the
American national landmarks.
O There are more important things the government can
spend money on than the national landmarks.