Stockman’s Book on Reagan

George Will’s column (Editorial Pages, April 21), “Stockman Revolution Is a Loser,” again shows that Will is merely an apologist for big government.

His statement, “ . . . Americans really do want mild social democracy . . . “ is utter trash. The proponents of socialism are merely left-wing academics who wouldn’t be able to find a job in a world of true laissez-faire capitalism. Instead, they have perpetuated their mediocrity by foisting collectivism on the American people. It’s not as bad as the cradle-to-grave welfare system of Sweden’s Social Democratic Party, but it would be if they got their way.

Will defends Reagan’s role as a “consensus politician.” This “consensus” is what forces hard-working Americans to send 40% to 50% of our incomes to the various levels of government. This “consensus” is what has given us a $2 trillion budget deficit, a cruel tax on generations yet unborn. This “consensus” taxes and taxes, spends and spends, regulates and destroys initiative, no matter who is in power, and no matter what the average voter thinks.

Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer don’t have swarms of lobbyists on Capitol Hill. Union bosses, corporate chairmen, farmers, Social Security recipients, and defense contractors have dozens of them. These groups give the campaign contributions and reap the benefits thereof.

David Stockman’s budget proposals were, if anything, too modest. Phenomenal cuts are needed to balance the budget, but our current congressmen and President don’t have the guts to repudiate these special interest groups and take the plunge to toss out big government.

TED BROWN

Los Angeles