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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 22, 1993                   TAG: 9303220406
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT . . .

RAY GARLAND'S Feb. 25 column ("In time, Clintonomics, too, will be called a failure") was yet another pinch-faced, sour-grapes venting of spleen and spite against President Clinton's deficit-reduction plan. And it misses the point - reducing the deficit.

While Garland disingenuously says Carter's and Reagan's last deficits were each 3 percent of gross national product, he neglects to point out that the national debt rose $2 trillion in the intervening years. This increase is the true problem, and his overlooking such a significant point speaks volumes.

Americans know taxes must go up and spending must be cut to reduce the deficit that saps our economic strength. If they are equitable, we will adjust. However, it is highly irresponsible and very childish to say Republicans shouldn't play the "game of offering alternatives."

On the contrary, that's what we expect them to do. A "loyal opposition" doesn't sit on its hands and say, "You knew what you were getting into, so you've got it coming." Both parties share responsibility for this mess, and we expect them to cooperate.

Reaganomics has failed and anyone not in denial knows it. Clintonomics deserve a chance, too. It's a shaky start but a good one. If Republicans don't like it, they should "put up or shut up." Otherwise, Truman suggested what they could do if they can't stand it in the political kitchen. WILLIAM R. GILL JR. ROANOKE

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