THE PUBLIC MIND: VOICES OF DESPERATION FROM WASHINGTON GROWING LOUDER

Dear Editor:

It has been gratifying to read the editorial in the Missourian April 14, excerpting the recent speech by Sen. John Danforth, decrying the current condition of the U.S. Congress. Much media time has been spent, of late, depicting the low estate of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives ..the grid lock, the frustration, disillusionment and disappointment with getting anything significant accomplished. Sen. Danforth made his soul-searching (almost confessional) statement to the Senate March 27. Since then it has appeared in various newspapers in the nation.

However, it is not fair or realistic to simply "trash" Congress. The Administration and the American public share the blame for the present grid lock. What senator or congressman would have been able to "lay it on the line," as Sen. Danforth did recently during the 80's (the dilemma was apparent then already), when the Great Communicator was in his heyday and the American people believed the fantasy that all would be well..no pain, lower taxes, government "off our backs", etc.

Even George Bush, who branded the proposed program for the 80's as "Voodoo Economics," but capitulated to the on-rushing tide in order to become vice president. The American people were "sitting ducks," desperately hoping for the materialization of the fantasy to which Ronald Reagan gave credence. This was supposed to be the resurgence of Conservatism. The "lid" was off. Deregulation had a "field-day." Together, the Administration, the Congress and the American people embarked on the greatest spending binge of all time ... and it's not over yet!

The latest budget proposals of the Administration, the Senate and the House of Representatives vary a few billion (at that level, the variation isn't that great). Each one, however, plans a deficit ranging from $324.5 billion to $331.8 billion. (Not too long ago, a deficit of $200 billion was thought to be scandalous.) Other nations and internal creditors are taking for granted that the U.S. will maintain such deficits indefinitely......America's national will to discipline itself is thought to be totally lacking.

The voices of desperation are getting louder and more frequent. An unprecedented number of senators and congressmen are throwing up their hands and quitting in frustration. This is NOT a partisan happening. Democrats and Republicans alike are expressing these views. There are expressions of hope that Americans are ready to face reality. That remains to be seen. Leadership for the necessary austerity and hard, serious expression must, necessarily, come from the Presidency.....to date, it is not forthcoming from the probable candidates of the two major parties. The strong effort launched by Ross Perot as an independent candidate for President is taken seriously by both Republican and Democrat planners. However, Americans love the simplicity of the two-party system. Historically, third party efforts haven't been able to mount a winning scenario.

The clock is ticking.....while America sinks deeper into "Voodoo Doodoo."

Gil Degenhardt

Cape Girardeau