Nation: A Hell of a Lot of Vodka

President Carter's retaliatory measures will pinch but they are unlikely to punish the Soviet Union seriously.His principal move—the cutoff of grain sales—is a good show of short-term strength, yet its long-term value is arguable. Says Richard Kjeldsen, senior international economist for the Security Pacific National Bank: "I cannot think of a single unilateral embargo that has been effective. Nor can I think of an instance in the past when wheat-producing countries have actually got together to function in some concerted, cartel-like operation. An embargo on grain shipments is simply a very leaky boat."

The Carter...

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