THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997 TAG: 9702120003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
Most journalists and political analysts agree that second-term presidents' accomplishments are rarely of merit in our history. But President Clinton's desire to make a place for himself in history may make past experience an anachronism. He does not want to be remembered for Whitewater, Filegate, Paula Jones, etc., but for beneficial accomplishments during his term of office.
His desire to open the information highway, to build a bridge to the 21st century and to make his presidency one of positive note in history can be accomplished:
1. He must force Congress to act on the necessary changes in our Social Security program that will assure its survival.
2. He must balance the budget during his term of office. A balanced budget would reduce government borrowing, reduce our interest liability and increase money available for industry expansion.
3. He must demonstrate leadership in campaign-finance reform. Elimination of foreign contributions, soft money, lobbyist influence peddling, etc., would have a tremendous impact on the opinions most Americans have of government.
President Clinton, a baby boomer, could make a place for himself if he accomplishes positive progress in these critical areas.
BERNICE LEVINSON
Norfolk, Feb. 3, 1997