Ever since he moved into the White House, Ronald Reagan has complained that Government ethics laws are based on a double standard: while they regulate the activities of former members of the Executive Branch, they do not apply to ex-Congressmen and ex-Senators. Last week, by pocket-vetoing a tough measure that would have restricted lobbying by former federal employees, including members of Congress and their top aides, the President missed his last chance to unhinge the revolving door through which officials turn into lobbyists after leaving the Government.
The bill, hastily passed before the pre-election congressional recess, contained a one-year prohibition on...