Western Aid to Soviet Union

The Soviet plea for economic aid as detailed in “Gorbachev Plea May Sway Bush to Help” (May 26) cannot be ignored. The Soviet economy is a shambles despite all attempts at reform; the transition to a free-market economy and to further democratization can’t continue while the economy is so weak. Helping Gorbachev change both his country’s economic and political systems can only serve to benefit the United States and the world.

Decades of communist rule have destroyed Soviet economics. While adequate production methods exist, transportation of everything from food to consumer goods creates long lines and huge waits for even the most basic of food groups. There is much demand but very little supply.

Gorbachev needs U.S. assistance; he understands the value of American methods and knowledge and he is asking for aid for a severely damaged economy. Aid from the U.S. and other outside parties could revitalize Soviet methods of production and distribution. A healthy Soviet Union would become an excellent recipient of U.S. exports and contribute to a healthy world economy.

A new era has dawned in U.S.-Soviet relations; the focus is no longer on weapons and hostility, but on mutual aid and friendship.

TODD BRAHANA, La Jolla