Soviet Economy

I read (“Soviet Economic Plunge Reported Accelerating,” Part A, Sept. 23) that things aren’t looking too good in the Soviet Union now that communism has collapsed. Rampant inflation, industrial production sagging, foreign trade down 30%. Unemployment is skyrocketing, with women bearing the brunt of the layoffs. The government is spending vastly more money than it takes in, and desperate and shortsighted measures are being taken to keep the huge bureaucracy solvent. Experts as well as the average person have very little hope for the future.

As an American citizen, I would like to be the first to extend my hand to the Soviets and say: “Welcome to the capitalist system!”

MATTHEW CLARK

San Diego