Economic Policies

Robert Samuelson is correct that the “Economy Needs More Than a Slogan” (Op-Ed Page, Feb. 25). He criticizes President Reagan and praises President Eisenhower. He criticizes Reagan for his “empty phrases” and Reaganomics. He praises Eisenhower for his economic policies and his convictions which fostered a public climate that tolerated “unpopular actions serving the nation’s long-term interests.”

The peace movement today is attempting to create such a public climate and supporting actions to serve our nation’s long-term interests.

As a first priority, the peace movement is working to gain popular support for an end to the arms race. A large reduction in our military budget would free management, labor and capital to meet human economic needs. But such a redirection of our economy could lead to a loss of jobs for management and labor.

That is why the peace movement is also attempting to foster a public climate of support for planning now for the time when peace breaks out--to avoid massive unemployment. There is legislation in Congress which deals with this issue. The Defense Economic Adjustment Act makes the federal government responsible for supporting planning in the defense sector to redirect management, labor and capital from production for defense to production of goods and services in the civilian sector.

This approach could begin to overcome some of the economic problems inherited from Reaganomics.

“Empty phrases” create confusion in the public climate. Perhaps we need meaningful ideas like: Cooperate with the Soviet Union to end the arms race. Compete with the Soviet Union to prove which nation can then be more efficient, provide full employment and end poverty and homelessness.

EDITH L. PERLMUTTER

Santa Monica