A Republican Backs Clinton

In response to “Jumping Parties Over the Economy,” by Roger W. Johnson, Commentary, Sept. 2:

Johnson is correct in his assessment of Bill Clinton’s economic plan as realistic and sound. I would like to add some important points that Johnson did not mention:

-- National health care plan--Clinton has concluded rightly that if we cannot control rapidly escalating health care costs, we will not be able to reduce the federal deficit. Furthermore, we have more than 38 million Americans with no health care coverage, and this is a disgrace.

-- We have an investment deficit, as well as a budget deficit, which must be addressed.

-- After 12 years of Reaganomics, we have already had redistribution of wealth. Didn’t Kevin Phillips, another enlightened Republican, point out that the rich got richer, while the poor got poorer, and the middle class has shrunk in size? This is the description of a Third World nation.

-- Clinton recognizes that green technology presents many new opportunities for economic growth as well as a clean, healthy environment. The Republicans are using a phony argument when they say we must choose between jobs and the environment.

-- While Bush is proposing a capital gains tax cut for everyone, including Wall Street tycoons whose speculation in stocks brings them a fast profit but hurts our economy, Clinton has proposed investment tax credits for those who provide more jobs and real economic growth for America.

-- Reaganomics was always based upon a short-term view, making the fast buck now, whereas the Clinton plan takes a long-term view and builds for the future. This is our only real hope as a nation.

CAROL MILLER, Beverly Hills