President Bush’s Inaugural Address

When President Bush was asked how he would carry out the goals cited in his inaugural address without a tax increase, he said: “You never measure kindness and gentleness in how much you take out of the pockets of the people.” Does that mean that we need only to have kind and gentle people in order to improve the social conditions in this country? Oh, if that were only true!

A kind, gentle mother still needs food for her child and a roof over her head. They cost money. A kind, gentle volunteer or paid social worker need to find medical help for clients; medical costs must be met. A kind, gentle teacher or child-care worker need small classes, counseling services and aides for children with special needs. Environmental and ecological concerns cannot be met without funding; no amount of gentle care will enforce the law.

Kindness and gentleness are very important and we should all be kind and gentle. But, I’m afraid that unless the Bush Administration is willing to put its money where its mouth is, this country will remain deprived of the social services and educational advantages we lost during the years of neglect by the Reagan Administration. The American people who were recently surveyed, admitted they did not want higher taxes, but they were realistic enough to admit that they believed higher taxes were inevitable. We need a President who faces real issues and dares to make unpopular decisions.

BARBARA G. RADER

Spring Valley