Recent editorials demonstrate The Tribune`s confusion regarding whom to blame for federal budget deficits. On Feb. 5, in ”Ronald Reagan`s
consolations,” The Tribune strongly criticizes Reagan for ”what so far has been his greatest failing as President: an unwillingness or an inability to relate principles of Reagan ideology to Reagan times.” The Tribune complains that the international exchange rate has caused our farmers` and failing industries` problems and that ”the deficit is driving it and Reagan is to blame.” The Tribune further laments the President`s budgetary efforts:
”Reagan looks like a great leader even when, in fact, he is not leading us anywhere.”
But then on Feb. 17, in ”Give the President a scalpel,” you chastise the undisciplined spending by the ”unruly gaggle in Congress” and endorse Reagan`s long-standing plea for a line-item veto, blaming Congress for the deficit.
Sure, Reagan could support a tax increase to balance the budget, but he was elected on a pledge of no tax increases, spending reductions and a strong defense. Despite the claims of our congressmen that what we really need is a good tax increase, Americans clearly chose Reagan`s position over Walter Mondale`s promised tax increase.
