PLATFORM : Sharing the Pain

EVILYN STOKES, 86, of Laguna Niguel commented on President Clinton’s proposal to tax 85%--up from 50%--of some Social Security benefits. She told The Times:

A lot of my friends are not very pleased with what President Clinton is planning to do regarding our benefits. Many of them are bitter about the possibilities of having to pay more taxes. After all, most of us have been paying taxes for so long, some of us think it’s about time we got a break.

But, drastic times call for drastic measures. I remember another President who had to make changes. A lot of people were afraid when he took office. But a lot of people were hopeful. Some thought our country was on the road to ruin. Others saw a promising future.

It’s too early to say whether Bill Clinton is made of the same stuff President Roosevelt was. But like F.D.R., he faces a monstrous task. He has to take this land and get it back on its feet. Things like that are never easy. There’s always pain and misery for some.

I had my chance and I have enjoyed the harvest of our great country. It’s only fair that our children have the same opportunity I had. I don’t want to pay more taxes. But I’m willing to try to do my part.