Editorial: This is the time for civility

Friday, Jan. 28, 2000 | 9:30 a.m.

As President Clinton noted in his farewell State of the Union address Thursday night, the United States is in the midst of extraordinary times: Not only is the nation experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity, but at the same time there also isn't much discord at home or threats from abroad. In this climate, then, it doesn't make much sense for Clinton to propose radical changes in economic or social policies.

The president's final budget to Congress will seek $350 billion in modest tax cuts over 10 years, including an easing of the so-called "marriage penalty" for couples who file jointly and a new program for people to set up retirement savings accounts. Clinton's tax cuts are much lower -- and more responsible -- than the 10-year, $792 billion tax cut package sought by the Republican-led Congress last year. In addition to tax cuts, Clinton's spending proposals on health care and education are right on track. (One initiative missing the mark, a deadbeat parent collection plan aimed at gambling establishments, is tackled in an editorial below.)

Clinton's detractors constantly underestimate him. After his universal health care coverage proposal was rejected in his first term, and Republicans captured the House in 1994, Clinton was viewed as vulnerable in the 1996 election. But Clinton won re-election easily and has continued to confound Republicans with his high job-approval ratings, even after his impeachment trial.

One of the reasons why some conservative Republicans find Clinton maddening is that his policies typically are moderate, making him immune to charges of advocating a liberal agenda. But Republicans in Congress should put aside any personal animosity they have and work with the president in his final year. Even though this is an election year -- creating the potential for partisan mischief -- there still is plenty of room for common ground on tax cuts and other important issues, including passage of a patient's bill of rights. If that happens, everyone wins.