PLATFORM : Reform, Quickly
I have a positive attitude toward Gorbachev because of his ideas toward democracy in the Soviet Union and for the changes in Eastern Europe, and also his policies toward emigration and for increasing contacts between the Soviet people and outsiders.
Soviet emigres who came here 5, 10 or 15 years ago thought they had been locked out forever. But because of Gorbachev, it’s now possible for them to go back and visit relatives.
But for America to help Gorbachev personally, it is absolutely impossible. We don’t know what’s going on in the Soviet government. For the United States to help them with credits now is to give them an opportunity to save their own money and spend it on military purposes. It’s very important that we help the Soviets to understand the necessity of fast and radical economic reforms, and to adopt a market economy. The main question for Gorbachev is, will he have the courage and strength to really reform the Soviet system and transform the Soviet Union into a modern democratic state?
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