LETTER: Real Danger

To the Editor: Unfortunately, Ross Perot never had a clear vision, nor did Perot ever feign being "a true politician." Perot was and still is an avaricious businessman from Texas, whose latest egotistical conquest was to be the president of our once-great nation. Playing off of America's fears and inadequacies, Perot was inflated to a political demigod-like status in an arena that shuns and eliminates outsiders. The fight that Perot was unable to win and that he could not envision was the entrenched bureaucracy of the United States political system. Independents and dreamers alike jumped on the Perot wagon with the honest intentions of changing Washington. I have worked and lived in our nation's capital for six years and I can honestly tell these people that while their intentions were well-aimed, they were simply unrealistic. In a campaign year where everyone claims to be an agent of change, the only thing changing in Washington this year will be our cherry blossom trees in the springtime. I do not want to criticize Pollack for his efforts or his educational experience -- my principle attack lies within the na vet and stupidity of the American people for buying into an agenda that was incomplete, incoherent and, at times, extremely politically incorrect. In addition, I do not believe that if Perot were elected that he would have the necessary constituent support to negotiate and jawbone with committees and sub-committees. Perot's lack of leverage on Capitol Hill will not be directly correlated to the two-party system, rather it will be a reflection of his inability to identify with the current bureaucracy and special interest groups that, in reality, dictate Washington's agenda. The true clear-and-present danger existing in this election year has little to do with the potential reelection of President Bush and -- as scary as it may seem -- nor does it include the grim prospects of a potential President Clinton. My trepidation lies with the continuation of an entrenched political system that shirks its national responsibilities and caters to the needs of special interest groups. And as for the devoted Perot supporters and volunteers: I applaud your grassroots efforts, but regardless of his decision to re-enter the campaign, he will have no bearing on this year's election outcome. More important is the signal that Perot has sent out: America heard your message, but Washington is simply not ready to listen. MARC GANZI Wharton '93