Comment exchange of the day:

harrison22: "This is just another move by the Republicans to transfer wealth from the poorest and most vulnerable portion of the American population."

millerjeff: "One percent of the country (the wealthy) pays over 90 percent of the tax revenue. Where is your data to back up your wild statements about transfer of wealth? This is a capitalist country. You have the opportunity to be the 1 percent!"

Republicans may usher in new era with budget plan

Ron Haskins, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, former adviser on welfare issues in Congress and senior adviser for welfare policy in the George W. Bush administration, says Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan could be a turning point for the United States. But he also wonders if Democrats and Republicans will be able to cut a deal or further burden generations with debt. CNN.com readers weighed-in on the plan.

JoeD said, "The Democrats should refuse to entertain any cuts to social programs, unless the GOP agrees to repeal all the Bush tax cuts for the richest 20 percent of Americans. If there is to be sacrifice, the richest are best able to bear it. I'm in that 20 percent and I'm willing to pay more taxes, because taxes are the price you pay for social stability."

noyesman responded, “Most rich people aren't born rich. They become rich through sacrifice, delayed gratification, education and proper planning. You want those who have worked hard for their success to subsidize your lifestyle so you can have the same toys that they do. PATHETIC!”

abcdef54321 said, "Now Obama is trying to do what Clinton did: mop up the fiscal mess left by Republicans. It took Clinton a whole term to balance the budget. It may take Obama longer because of the opposition of Republicans in the House and Senate AND because Bush2 left a much bigger mess than did Reagan-Bush1."

squeakywheel said, “Why are you making this a Republican issue? The fact is we are in a financial mess, created by both parties and the fiscal idiocy has to stop or we are going to drive the ship of state into an unrecoverable abyss. It is irresponsible to say that Republicans created this problem by adding "X" to the federal debt, so Democrats are going to solve it by adding "3X" to the debt. Unless we tone down the rhetoric and deal seriously with our problems, I really fear for our future.”

Preparing for death, embracing life

Nick Charles, CNN’s first sports anchor, is dying of bladder cancer. He called off chemotherapy treatments in January to fully enjoy the time he has left and has made numerous videos for his 5-year-old daughter. He’s also encouraging people to "fasten onto the positives" of life. CNN.com readers were inspired by his story.

rsmrob100 said, "I don't even know what to write, I am so choked up. I guess it really puts things into perspective when we sometimes run around, worrying about irrelevant things."

candicen4007 said, “What an inspiring life story! May God bless you Nick, and especially your family. I am glad Giovanna knows you will always be in her heart!” dre5005 said, "CNN thanks for sharing this story. God bless Nick Charles and family. I am a 31-year-old father and I just was moved deeply by this story and it also enlightened me about even my own life. Thanks Nick!"

LoriRobin said, "Very inspiring reminder that we choose how to live each moment as well as what is most important at the very end." DowMan5744 said, "That was the most beautiful article I have ever read in my life. PERIOD." ChrisMay said, "It is inspiring to actually read this story, and about what we can do before taking that last step that we can only take alone. Food for thought. You don't need to be sick to consider your time precious."

ZanDan said, "Oh wow. Truly heartbreaking. I'm in tears. What a brave and honorable man. I very much remember watching Nick on CNN many years ago. The best to his family and that beautiful daughter of his and the best to Nick." froggs said, "Heart-wrenching and beautiful, truly inspirational. Thank you for touching so many hearts, it's what is so desperately needed in this world. May peace and blessings be forever yours, Nick."

And IanIJM said, "Man this is a great, powerful, and moving article. I work in the oncology space and I know just how devastating this disease can be. What's promising is the number of new therapies coming to market every year. ... We will beat this thing one day. For Nick, I would say stay strong and be as positive as you can be.”

We’re grandpupppies!

What do people do when their children aren’t having babies? They heap all of their love and attention on their grandpuppies—and some experts say the relationships are some of the healthiest in a family. CNN.com readers took the opportunity to argue about whether dogs can take the place of having children while a few shared their grandpup experience.

YodarCritch said, “We are big dog owners. While we often joke about the dogs being our ‘kids,’ we never forget that they are dogs. Dogs are not the same as kids. Dogs are a lot better than kids. Dogs are loyal, appreciative, grateful, pleasant to be with, friendly, don't constantly ask for money and generally make life better.”

But Skeptical773 said, “Hope your dog is around to take care of you later on in life.” And inyourhead00 said, “And kids are loyal, appreciative, grateful, pleasant to be with and friendly IF you raise them that way. They also make life better in many ways. You just can't compare children and dogs.”

But doonerist said, “It goes both ways. My mother alienated all of her children and then expected them to be her best friends and caretakers late in her life (she had the means to care for herself monetarily). You get the children you raised. Think about that.”

HollyGirl51 said, “My parents still call my dogs their grandpuppies even though we've given them actual grand children now. I think sometimes they would rather babysit the dogs.” suchitagirl said, “My boyfriend and I have no plans for children. It's just not something either of us have ever wanted. We do love our furry kids, though - and so do their ‘grandparents.’ Very cute article.”

Do you feel your views align with these commenters' thoughts? Post a comment below or sound off on video

Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.