The Week

□ Moscow (Aug. 20)—Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev today pleaded with Western nations not to impose sanctions against the Soviet Union. In an address to the Supreme Soviet, he stressed his nation’s efforts to control human-rights abuses, extend the franchise, and withdraw troops from Afghanistan. “Our system is imperfect,” he said, “but we are working diligently to correct it. All we ask is time. The legacy of a century can’t be dismantled overnight.” He outlined a three-year plan to guarantee a system of one man, one vote, with opposition press and parties free to organize and express demands and grievances. In Washington, congressional leaders reacted with skepticism. “This is the most abhorrent system on earth,” said Senator Edward Kennedy (D., Mass.). “They’ve had plenty of time. We don’t intend to let them stall any more. Justice delayed is justice denied.” Kennedy attacked what he called Administration “coddling” of the Soviet regime.

□ Amid all the calls for a tax increase, bear in mind that federal revenues have increased sharply since Ronald Reagan took office and pushed for tax cuts. It’s spending that’s gone out of sight, to a projected $967.6 billion for 1986, nearly half again what it was at the end of Jimmy Carter’s term ($657 billion). If spending had held constant (and where’s your veto pen, Mr. President?), we’d now be facing a budget surplus of $100 billion or so. The supply side approach can work some miracles, but nobody ever said it could outstrip Tip O’Neill’s spending habits.

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□ Moscow (Aug. 20)—Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev today pleaded with Western nations not to impose sanctions against the Soviet Union. In an address to the Supreme Soviet, he stressed his nation’s efforts to control human-rights abuses, extend the franchise, and withdraw troops from Afghanistan. “Our system is imperfect,” he said, “but we are working diligently to correct it. All we ask is time. The legacy of a century can’t be dismantled overnight.” He outlined a three-year plan to guarantee a system of one man, one vote, with opposition press and parties free to organize and express demands and grievances. In Washington, congressional leaders reacted with skepticism. “This is the most abhorrent system on earth,” said Senator Edward Kennedy (D., Mass.). “They’ve had plenty of time. We don’t intend to let them stall any more. Justice delayed is justice denied.” Kennedy attacked what he called Administration “coddling” of the Soviet regime.

□ Amid all the calls for a tax increase, bear in mind that federal revenues have increased sharply since Ronald Reagan took office and pushed for tax cuts. It’s spending that’s gone out of sight, to a projected $967.6 billion for 1986, nearly half again what it was at the end of Jimmy Carter’s term ($657 billion). If spending had held constant (and where’s your veto pen, Mr. President?), we’d now be facing a budget surplus of $100 billion or so. The supply side approach can work some miracles, but nobody ever said it could outstrip Tip O’Neill’s spending habits.