Strauss Dons Inflation Warrior's Helmet
Robert S. Strauss, newly appointed presidential counselor on inflation, said yesterday that the current rate of inflation is ÛÏunacceptable,Û and that he has been directed by the president to ÛÏattack aggressivley.Û</br></br>But in an interview upon his return yesterday from trade negotiations in Europe, Strauss warned the public not to expect quick or dramatic results from the inflation attack, nor to consider him ÛÏsome kind of a czar. I think the kind of thing weÛªre going to try to do is to chip away at it, to keep it in bounds,Û he said.</br></br>Strauss nonetheless emphasized that the president had given priority to the inflation fight. ÛÏThe American public is scared to death of inflation,Û Strauss said. ÛÏTheyÛªre frightened of whatÛªs happening to their money, their savings, and their salaries.Û</br></br>Strauss met yesterday with President Carter and White House aide Stuart E. Eizenstat, who had helped convince the president that he needed Strauss in an inflation trouble-shooting role.</br></br>Afterward Strauss said the president had directed him ÛÏto move against inflation and speak with the authority of his voiceÛÓhe said, Û÷get into business, and let me know when you need me, call me when you need