Commission Impossible

In a town known for using political cliches to paper over critical issues, no phrase passes the lips of Washington politicians more easily than "bipartisan commission" -- except, of course, for that old standby, "blue-ribbon panel." Over the years these august bodies have contemplated practically every vexing issue, from Central America to Social Security. Although the commissions rarely solve the problem at hand, they invariably buy time for the responsible authorities to put off unpleasant decisions, sometimes ! indefinitely. The latest commission with a formidable mission came into being last week, when the National Economic Commission began its search for ways...