Letters: Jan. 3, 1983

Reagan's Rule

To the Editors:

Ronald Reagan is no more a great communicator [Dec. 13] than a speech is a conversation. Communication is a two-way street. Although the President may be a persuasive speaker, he does not like to listen. Once his mind is made up, he hears only what he wants to hear.

Norman E. Tandy Winchester, N.H.

The picture of our President presented in your article "How Reagan Decides" is scary. I wonder if our country can afford two more years of governing by such an inflexible man.

John Moffitt Unionville, Va.

Contrary to the statement by one of his aides that the President "is an optimist," I say that Reagan does not come close to fitting this description. The President fears that an enemy will subdue the country or blow us up. As a result, he insists that we join him in this all-consuming dread. He could not possibly be considered an optimist.

Edwin W. Butler Waldport, Ore.

All our modern Presidents lived through World War II. Consequently, they have been conditioned to fight anywhere, any time. Perhaps the next generation will lift from us this burden of policing the world.

Lee Wakefield San Francisco

Many citizens count the President's policies as the last hope for economic stability in the U.S. and are thankful that he is stubborn.

George E. Bagwell III Montgomery, Ala

You say Ronald Reagan is inflexible. I say that he shows firmness of purpose, and I welcome the quality, which was so lacking in his predecessor. The President las every reason to be optimistic. Because of his policies, I no longer have to brace myself whenever I go into a store against the soaring prices caused by inflation. In addition, you note that the President ignores the advice of his subordinates. We elected Reagan, not his aides.

Alcestis Oberg Dickinson, Texas

I disagree with your article "Job Specs for the Oval Office," in which you say that Governors are qualified to handle the presidency. Governors have no experience in foreign or military affairs. Reagan never had to worry about being attacked by Nevada. A Governor may handle the economy of his state brilliantly, but he does not have to pay for tanks, missiles and bombers. Only Senators and Congressmen deal with the many issues a President has to face.

Douglas Robert Barry Lutherville, Md.

Has the "quality of the incumbents fallen off," as your piece asserts, or do officeholders just look worse because of television? No one can emerge from such scrutiny without appearing as human as the rest of us, not even a George Washington or an Abraham Lincoln.

David A. Robinson Springfield, Mass.