Idealism can work changes

For many Rice students, tomorrow will be their first chance to participate in a presidential election. Yet a large number of people are still undecided; and many don't wish to support any of the candidates that are running for the presidency of the United States. The campaign has dealt little with issues and specifics. More important have been the public images of each candidate, his views on morals, and his speaking ability. There are important isues in this campaign; there are major differences between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. President Ford h a s consis tent ly pointed to the need for rational, realistic programs; such programs may not sound as good in print and on television commercials as promises made in the heat of a campaign, largely because they're not made to gloss over and hide the realities of life. Ford's record can be attacked because he h a s a record; he h a s had na t iona l experience that Gov. Carter lacks. Carter's record in Georgia is not wellknown nationally; his effectiveness as governor is disputed. Carter h a s promised many things to many people; upon taking office he might find it much more d i f f i c u l t to de l i ve r programs than to promise them. If Carter believes he can accomplish all of his plans and programs, and still balance the budget, in four years (as he promised in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention), he is sadly deluded. Many of Gov. Carter's issue stands are vague and misleading. He has promised to reorganize the federal government, but when pressed will admit that the federal payroll will not be reduced by reorganization. He has jumped back and forth on his tax reform proposals and ignored the fact