Letters: Mar. 23, 1981

Budget Blues

To the Editors:

When the people elected Ronald Reagan, it was with the full knowledge of how he planned to cure the economic mess facing the country [March 2]. He spelled it out loud and clear. The medicine is bitter, but it may help our recovery.

Constance Beardsley West Caldwell, N.J.

A compromise is needed in enacting Reagan's programs. For two years we should defer those proposals that will have a harsh impact on the nation's poor, minorities and cities. After all, no 50-year addict can go cold turkey overnight. If Reagan is right, then the private sector will have made progress in alleviating the problems. If Reagan is wrong, then a disaster will have at least been deferred.

Bob Higgins Ann Arbor, Mich.

You quote House Speaker Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill Jr.'s warning: "We're not going to let them tear asunder the programs we've built over the years." These programs that give away this or give away that, regardless of the cost to taxpayers, have produced the mess we're in.

Charles M. Stone Kissimmee, Fla.

As Canadians faced with similar problems, we applaud President Reagan's determination to dismantle his country's tangled web of pyramiding bureaucracy. But we question his increased military spending in contrast with massive cuts for the arts and humanities. Certainly, every nation should maintain its defenses. But if that means neglecting its precious arts and culture, the U.S. may survive but, in fact, cease to live.

Helen and Alton Dahlstrom Rossland, B.C.

While gutting some of this country's most progressive social service programs, President Reagan assures us that "we will not balance the budget on the backs of the poor." I don't think he will either, but certainly his attempt will increase the number of poor and soon to be poor. Seldom in our history has one man proposed taking so much from so many to so little purpose.

Ken Scheel Las Cruces, N. Mex.

If we are indeed committed to the American philosophy of capitalism, we must accept the fact that unless we encourage the rich to put their money into stocks, bonds, factories and mines, there will be no jobs for the poor. It is natural enough to envy and even hate the rich, but killing the goose that lays the golden egg puts no meat on the table.

Jon B. Leder Chatham, Mass.

American Renewal

After reading American Renewal [Feb. 23], I felt that I must congratulate you for having the intestinal fortitude to undertake such a monumental project and for articulating solutions to the great problems. Although some may not agree with all of your proposals, business and labor statesmen as well as Government leaders should take the time to peruse this landmark document.

Mike Douglas Los Angeles

I'm a young federal employee, working with pollution in our environment. I'm also a woman. By your description I am a "special interest" person. But I also have a special interest in America. I support all the elements of our American Renewal. Bravo TIME! Bravo America!

Amanda Morrow Dallas