White House Diaries

Wednesday, November 4, 1987

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Meetings on pretty much same subject—a proposed plan voiced by Pete Domenici to trap the Dems. into a plan for reducing deficit. It includes idea of giving all entitlement programs a 2% raise instead of full inflation increase which might be 4%. This could raise some $10 Bil. or so.

Then a meeting with Soviet émigré—poetess Irina Ratushinskaya. She was released from Labor Camp about 2 days before our Iceland meeting with Gorbachev. She has a remarkable story & is the author of the miniature letter smuggled out of the camp to me a few years ago. It is written on a slip of paper about 5⁄8 of an inch by about 31⁄2 inches. Ten of the inmates signed it. Too tiny to be read by the naked eye.

At 11:45 regular meeting with Bill Webster—C.I.A.—report on defector—Major in Sandinista Army. We’re not sure he isn’t a plant.

Lunch with V.P. Then meeting with Nick Brady & 4 he has chosen for commission to take a look at Stock Exchange.

Tom Gibson & fiancé came by—he’s leaving to become a cartoonist. Then meeting with Geo. S.—2 subjects one the market. He thinks we’re taking it too lightly—that it really threatens a recession. Other was Gorbachev & the I.N.F. treaty. A list of items yet to be worked out.

Over to O.E.O.B. to address group supporting Canada Free Trade. Met with Edmund Morris—usual thing for Biog. Upstairs for exercise & then redress for an early dinner & drop by at R.N.C. reception at Decatur Carriage House. This was installation of R.N.C. board of directors. It was a very pleasant time. Brief speech, receiving line & mix & mingle.