THE PUBLIC MIND: PEROT CAN STILL HELP US RISE TO OCCASION

To the Editor:

All along, there has been a clamor for Ross Perot's program as president, if elected. Well ... here it is.

Balancing the budget, of course, is at the top of the "must do" action lists. Implementation of other programs rests largely on getting our economic house in order. The plan, devised in a several-day meeting with state coordinators calls for a balanced budget in 5 years with an $800 billion deficit reduction target. It includes:

Ceiling on mortgage interest deduction.

5 years tax abatement for business start-ups.

Federal gasoline tax of 10 cents per gallon each year up to 50 cents in 5 years.

Business entertainment deduction limitations.

Tax incentives for business in low income areas.

Reduction of Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLAs) and/or Social Security tax increases on wealthy.

Increased Medicare premiums for wealthy.

Limitations of increases on government pensions

Significant defense spending decreases.

Cuts of subsidy to large farm operations.

Elimination of various subsidies.

Increased spending on infra-structure.

Even with Mr. Perot's declaration of non-activity toward election to the presidency, his name will foreseeably be on the ballots in most states, including Missouri. So he remains, in fact, a candidate. There are enough electoral votes in these states to elect him as president in November if a still dis-enchanted electorate might "accidently" generate enough votes.

As for me, I will still cast my lot with Ross Perot. With the bank~ruptcy of integrity and the vacuum of courage in the two major political parties to face reality, I have less apprehension of moving into an uncharted future with Mr. Perot than the risk of status quo. In the face of recent criticism, Mr. Perot has, in the past, demonstrated the tenacity to get things done. Doubts about some past presidents, among them Lincoln and Truman, also existed.

Decades ago, but particularly in 1980, it was time for Americans to view themselves realistically. In 1982, George Will, a prominent "conservative" columnist described Americans as "talking a more conservative game than they are willing to play. The middle class is the biggest beneficiary of big government and is determined to stay that way. ...The American people have an appetite for government services but have an aversion to paying for them. ... The gap between what Americans say they want and what they are willing to pay for must shrink before the U.S. economy will right itself. ... Now is the time to allocate pain and nobody knows how to do it or wants to learn". Pogo had it right, "We have met the enemy, and he is us." Perhaps, the CHANGE we are all desiring is in ourselves ... no political party or candidate can do it unless we are willing. Over the years, candidates who talk realities, sacrifice, discomfort, even pain ... have been left at the starting gate by the voters.

There is some indication, presently, that enough Americans are ready to "bite the bullet" and face reality. This is what the Perot candidacy has been all about. It's not about Ross Perot ... it's not about Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal ... it's about us. Can we, will we, finally get ourselves to make the necessary attitude changes before things get progressively worse?

To date, no candidate has talked about the commitment necessary to endure the sacrifice, discomfort, and even pain to bring about the CHANGE that's so highly touted. All that Americans are getting is a vision of "apple pie" or a dose of desperate liberal bashing.

If, by whatever process, we Americans can come to view ourselves realistically and understand our own contribution to our present dilemma ... only then may we have an opportunity for greatness. Ross Perot, as president may be able to help us rise to the occasion. I'm willing to give it a try.

Gil Degenhardt

Cape Girardeau