Document 27.8 Walter Mondale, Criticism of Reaganomics, 1984

Document 27.8

Walter Mondale | Criticism of Reaganomics, 1984

Reaganomics did not go unchallenged. In running for president in 1984, the Democratic candidate Walter Mondale, the former vice president and noted liberal from Minnesota, attacked Ronald Reagan’s policies of cutting taxes and increasing military spending. The following memorandum prepared during the campaign outlines his criticisms.

The Reagan Administration has failed to build for the future.

—The future requires the best educated and trained generation in American history. But the Reagan Administration has slashed funding for education by $2 billion (13 percent) in FY [Fiscal Year] 1984 alone.

—The future requires American science and technology second to none, across the board. But the administration has radically skewed research and development funds toward military activities: a 24 percent real increase in FY 1984 military R & D [Research and Development], and a four percent decrease in the civilian sector.

—The future requires unpolluted land, water and air. But the Administration has failed to enforce environmental laws and regulations now on the books and has blatantly betrayed the public trust in its management of the Environmental Protection Agency.

—The future requires renewed movement toward energy independence. But the Administration has slashed funding for programs that promote conservation and the development of new and renewable energy sources.

—The future requires a healthy small business sector—the prime source of innovation and jobs in our economy. But the Administration’s policies have deprived small business of affordable credit, reduced their access to trained personnel, and tilted the tax codes in favor of corporate giants. . . .

—The future requires the full, fair, and equal participation of all Americans in our economy. But the Administration has backtracked on minority employment, weakened support for minority small business, and opposed measures such as the ERA that would help ensure fairness for women.

Source: Mondale-Ferraro Issues Papers, 1984, Location, 146.L.9.6F, Walter Mondale Papers, Minnesota Historical Society, http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00697.xml.