In America, motto should be 'Leave no one behind'

September 16, 2012 12:10 am

Regarding the Sept. 9 Viewpoints columns on the New Deal, I score a clear win for Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik ["New Deal: Success, or Failure? Progressive program provided social bond for Americans"]. Mr. Hiltzik gave a clear, concise summary of what FDR accomplished by using government to get America through the worst downturn up to the present in our memory.

President Obama should take his cue from the policy FDR put into place, if he is re-elected, to put the American economy back on track.

Professor Burton Folsom Jr. of Hillsdale College ["A 'raw deal' for America: High taxes, higher debt, no relief"] stated that policies that mirror what President Bush did to reduce taxes will create jobs. Folsom put forth a very selective argument for low taxes and minimal government control of private enterprise.

Carefully read Hiltzik's summary of what FDR did for the working class, and tell me whether Folsom thinks those things should be done for the working class today. I think Folsom is an advocate of Ayn Rand's philos-ophy of "every man for himself, and if you get left behind, too bad."

One of the things I remember from my U.S. Marine Corps teachings is that we are a team; we take care of each other and leave no one behind. I think Folsom could have benefited from attending the University of Parris Island, S.C.

George N. Bell

Stafford