“Let’s forget about party politics and take a look at how our country got into this fix and what we can do to get her out of it.” President Reagan made this statement in his address to the nation on the economy-and as you listen to campaign rhetoric from both sides you realize his idea makes sense despite any political overtones. Democrats are blaming “Reaganomics” for economic miseries; Republicans say the Democrats got us into the mess through decades of irresponsible spending. Charges, countercharges, and promises may be the name of the game in American politics. But with unemployment exceeding 10 percent and ban ruptcies soaring, it’s time for nononsense bipartisan cooperation in addressing the economic challeikges. verybody knows the economy was in deep trouble before Reagan became President; and that despite reductions in inflation, interest rates, and the pace of government growth, it has worsened in telling ways since then. Election campaigners on both sides have their ideas for solution. But many deal in generalities and resort to fingerpointing when asked for specifics. There’s plenty of blame to go around, of course. But aside from its political value, blame-fixing and partisan opportunism aren’t the important things now. What the country needs is for wise and thoughtful men and women of both partiesleaders in government plus other expertise available-to develop a consensus in deaing with the fundamenta problems. Commendable bipartisanship has been evidenced as the Administration, with substantial Democratic help, took important steps to cut the growth of federal spending. This type of spirit should be encouraged. Claiming the nation is “recovery-bound, ” Reagm was hopeful about e economy in his address. He predicted his economic programs will bring a resurgence “built to last”; keep inflation, interest rates, spending and taxing down; “and get Americans back on the job.” In a Democratic response, Sen. Donald M. Riegle of Michigan called for a change of course and said the Democrats would seek legislation to protect industries from unfair foreign competition, change the credit system to reduce interest rates, cut defense spending, and restore cuts in Social Security benefits. While signs indicate the country may be starting to emerge from the recession, experience indicates there is no quick and permanent economic fix. Unfortunately, as Reagan conceded, unemployment usually is one of e last things to tum around in an economic recovery. I It is hoped that regardless of results in the coming Nov. 2 electidn, the factions within Congress will work together with renewed spirit, harmony and purpose. Decision-making on such issues as budgetmaking, defense, the entitlement programs, unfair business competition, jobs and dealing with the massive federa debt deserve the best bipartisan and openminded leadership the nation can muster. Indeed, the American people have a right to expectit. The Democrats controlled Congress in most years of the over-spending spiral. But there was Republican participation, too. Neither party can escape responsibiity. Both must work together now to extricate us from the economic morass.