President Bush and the Economy

Martin and Kathleen Feldstein (“Some History for Voters Under 30,” Commentary, Oct. 12) are just as out of touch with the real world as George and Dan. As a young voter about to turn 30, I may not have had much experience with Democratic administrations, but it’s clear to me that the Republicans leave quite a bit to be desired.

I seriously doubt the current recession is hurting well-heeled economists. To suggest that low interest rates make millions of young voters qualified as new home buyers must be a joke. Buying a new house requires a decent-paying job (or in California two!) as well as confidence that things are getting better. Just as Reagan’s promise to “get government off our backs” appealed to many voters 12 years ago, the economic legacy of trickle-down economics--and perhaps as important, the sellout of the GOP to the far right--leaves many younger voters unimpressed and strongly in favor of change.

The achievements of the past 12 years were made by presidents living in a fantasy world of borrow, borrow, spend, spend, everything is OK. Four more years of the same just doesn’t cut it. Clinton and Gore will be elected because their message appeals not only to Democrats, but also to many Republicans who want a President more in touch with the lives of average citizens.

CARLOS JUAREZ

West Los Angeles