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26 March 2003

OMB Director Says Bush Has Made Wise Decisions on Iraq, Tax Cuts

(Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. op-ed in USA Today) (430)
(This column by Mitchell E. Daniels Jr., who is director of the Office
of Management and Budget, was published in USA Today March 26. This
column is in the public domain. No republication restrictions.)
(begin byliner)
President Acts Wisely
By Mitchell E. Daniels Jr.
Presidents make tough decisions for a living, but not many have faced
more tough calls in quick order than George W. Bush.
In taking the fight to terrorists who declared war on our country, the
president concluded that the risks of inaction greatly exceeded the
costs of action. Now he has asked Congress to endorse and finance that
choice. Compared with the immeasurable loss of 3,000 lives, and some
$400 billion in economic damages from 9/11, paying $74.7 billion to
disarm Saddam Hussein is a straightforward choice. Americans are
committed to support our troops, liberate the Iraqi people and bring
our forces home. Surely, Congress will quickly agree.
Whether the president also should act on the economy in this
environment is a closer call. There is honest disagreement from those
who suggest that the economy will right itself without additional
measures. However, after careful reflection, the president chose not
to trust luck where the jobs and wages of Americans are concerned. The
greatest risk lay in doing nothing.
The president proposed a bold plan to leave more dollars in taxpayers'
hands, helping create jobs, boost consumer confidence and strengthen
stock values. Economists say the plan will add significantly to
economic growth. Charles Schwab predicts a positive effect of 10% or
more on the stock market.
Yes, the deficit is a concern, but the causes are clear: the
recession, the bursting of the stock market bubble and the war on
terrorism. The best way back to balance is stronger economic growth
and spending restraint.
We cannot afford to let Saddam operate a murderers' bazaar where
terrorists can buy VX nerve gas, anthrax or worse. Nor can we afford a
lackluster economy with too few jobs, too little growth in paychecks
and a stagnant stock market.
Other presidents have led decisively when both peace and prosperity
were threatened. President Kennedy, facing similar challenges, said:
"This administration is determined to protect America's security and
survival, and we are also determined to step up its economic growth. I
think we must do both." President Bush has plotted a similar course,
with similar wisdom.
(Mitchell E. Daniels Jr. is director of the Office of Management and
Budget.)
(end byliner)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)