March 1999

March 24, 1999

The Community Journal

Dear Editor:

Leif Torkelson penned: “Healthy and Strong” (March 17, 1999). In this letter, he attacked Ronald Reagan’s record and distorted history. Torkelson described a “huge tax break for the upper class.” Additionally, he claims, “it was Ronald Reagan who ran up the national debt.”

Presidents do not have the power or authority to “run up the national debt.” Presidents can only spend money that has first been appropriated by Congress. The Democrats that controlled Congress are largely responsible for the high spending levels during the 1980s.

Yes, Presidents do influence Congress. And Ronald Reagan is responsible for the large military build-up. We should point the finger at him for:

• Solving the hollow military problem (remember Jimmy Carter and the Iranian hostage fiasco?)
• The fall of the Berlin Wall
• The collapse of the Soviet Union
• The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact
• The technology and equipment available for fighting the Persian Gulf War

Reagan also influenced Congress to enact across-the-board tax cuts. What effect did these tax cuts have on revenues to the federal treasury? REVENUES DOUBLED between 1980 and 1990. Consumers simply had more money to spend and/or save. Businesses expanded which created new jobs. Interest rates and inflation both declined. America enjoyed an unprecedented eight years of prosperity.

At this point you might be asking yourself: Okay, so if Ronald Reagan is responsible for our safer world, the doubling of federal revenues and an unprecedented economic expansion, then why did the federal deficit and national debt soar? Unfortunately, the Democrats who controlled Congress demanded massive increases in social spending and pork barrel projects. Compromise is the name of the game in Washington. Reagan was forced to submit to the Democrats wild‑eyed spending in order to get his tax cuts, strong economy, and a powerful military. Although revenues doubled, the Democrats still managed to spend too much of our money.

Ronald Reagan is (arguably) the greatest President in this century. But one question remains: Why do the Democrats hate him so much and vilify “trickle down Reaganomics”? Liberals attack Reagan’s success because they wish to build popular support for higher taxes, more regulation, higher government spending, and centralized power and control. The country clearly needs another Reagan Republican in the White House.

---

John E. Becker

March 8, 1999                         

Dear Governor Taft:

Thank you for your response letter dated March 1. It is regarding the proposed legislation to allow Ohioans the right to carry concealed weapons.

I am concerned that you do not appreciate the positive effects that this type of legislation has had in other states: Crime has dropped. Why? Because criminals take the path of least resistance. They minimize the danger they face just like the rest of us. Simply put Mr. Taft: Gun control only applies to honest citizens.

• Currently, only criminals carry concealed weapons.
• Do you think that they are concerned about gun control laws while engaging in rapes, robberies, and murders?
• Can the police protect all of us all of the time?
• Why can’t my wife have the ability to effectively protect herself while out jogging?

             Furthermore Mr. Taft, I voted for you primarily for three reasons:

1. You and your Lt. Governor support the Right to Life
2. Your campaign people assured me that you support the right to carry concealed weapons
3. Smaller government and lower taxes

One of your opponents, Mr. Mitchel, was also strong on these issues. Had I thought that you were going to waffle on any of these issues, I would have voted for Mr. Mitchel. Please don’t make me wish that I had.

Finally Mr. Taft, if you veto (or torpedo) this legislation, I will work to ensure your defeat in all subsequent elections. Please help me to continue to be one of your supporters.

                          Sincerely,

                          John E. Becker