Assessing Reagan

In "Putting the Presidency Back to Work" ((NATION, Nov. 23)), you say the "Iran-contra mess, the stock-market crash and the inability to pick a Supreme Court nominee capable of being confirmed by the Senate have threatened to add Ronald Reagan to the list of 20th century presidential failures." Are you serious? Here is a President who has been able to bring about a domestic- policy revolution: the top tax rate is down from 70% to 28%, inflation has been licked, and the economy has galloped ahead at a record pace for 59 months.

In foreign policy, the Soviet Union has been checked: between 1974 and 1980, Communist forces gobbled up ten countries, from Viet Nam to Afghanistan. On our watch, they have not seized an inch more of territory, and Grenada returned to the fold of free nations.

When we look back at the Presidents, such as Truman and Eisenhower, who had turbulent periods toward the end of their terms, we realize that history judges people for their cumulative accomplishments. President Reagan is likely to be remembered as one of the 20th century's greatest Presidents.

Gary L. Bauer

Assistant to the President for Policy Development

Washington