Insider Books on President Reagan

Anent your editorial (“Hocus-Pocus on High,” May 10), what exquisite irony lies in the Reagans’ agonizing over the recent spate of books by once-trusted aides! Is it any wonder that an Administration built on image rather than substance, anarchic leadership, disparagement of government, and enrichment of the rich as witness, for instance, the doubling of our “decamillionaires” in a scant five years--should attract an unprecedented number of ethically shady characters?

The whole sordid business is the logical outcome of what might best be called “the creed of greed” of this Administration, or the trickle-down theory of Reaganomics.

What a legacy for super-loyal Vice President George Bush! Tell us, George, where were you and what were you doing while all the foolishness described by David Stockman, Al Haig, Larry Speakes and Regan was going on?

MARSHALL PHILLIPS

Long Beach