Promises, Promises

While President Carter and Senator Kennedy argue about what should be in the 1980 Democratic platform, they might find it useful to dust off and reconsider one long-forgotten document, the Democratic platform of 1976. As is the case with most such creations, it promised many things to many people. Among the planks on which Carter stood four years ago:

> "The current Republican Administration did not invent inept Government, but it has saddled the country with ineffective Government . . . We pledge a Government in which the new Democratic President will work closely with the leaders of the Congress on a regular, systematic basis so that the people can see the results of unity . . .

> "We . . . will make every responsible effort to reduce adult unemployment to 3% within four years . . .

> "Credit must be generally available at reasonable interest rates...

> "We pledge the Democratic Party to a complete overhaul of the present tax system . . . A responsible Democratic tax reform program could save over $5 billion in the first year with larger savings in the future . .

> "We pledge constant efforts to keep world monetary systems functioning properly . . .

> "Fundamental welfare reform is necessary . . .

> "We need a comprehensive national health system . . .

> "We seek ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment . . .

> "The Democratic Party is pledged to the development of America's first national urban policy . . .

> "The Democratic Party must provide leadership for a coordinated federal and state effort to strengthen the presently inadequate controls over the manufacture, assembly, distribution and possession of handguns . . .

-- "We must break up organized-crime syndicates dealing in drugs . . .

> "We will take whatever action is necessary to reorganize and revitalize our nation's railroads . . .

-- "We pledge to develop programs to make the family farm economically healthy again . . .

> "The Democratic Party is committed to making the U.S. Postal Service function properly . . .

> "Our strategic nuclear forces must provide a strong and credible deterrent . . . Our conventional forces must be strong enough to deter aggression . . . We believe we can reduce present defense spending by about $5 billion to $7 billion . . .

> "The next Democratic Administration must and will initiate a new American foreign policy. Eight years of Nixon-Ford diplomacy have left our nation isolated abroad and divided at home . . .We must rely on the moral strength of our democratic values--the greatest inspiration to our friends and the attribute most feared by our enemies."

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