Letters, Jul. 18, 1977

Democracy Wins

To the Editors:

King Juan Carlos should be congratulated! He took Spain from the repressive era of Franco and placed the political future of the country in the hands of the Spanish people [June 27].

The world should take note that democracy is not dying but flourishing. With Premier Adolfo Suárez, another country has seen the way to go: that of choosing a democratic form of government in a free election.

William Chilani Woburn, Mass.

After 40 years of pollution, Spain is enjoying a revitalizing political air. As a Catalan and Spaniard I proud of the democratic goals reached by my own country in such a short space of tune.

Now Mr. Suarez can report of the victory to the people of Spain: "Veni. vidi, vici."

(The Rev.) Joan Almenara Jersey City

Your story on the recent voting in Spain appears to equate the victory of Premier Adolfo Suárez, rather than the election itself, with the triumph of Spanish democracy.

I believe it would have been an equally triumphant day for democracy had La Pasionaria been elected in a free election.

Jacob Thiessen Temple City, Calif.

Your vicious anti-Franco bias and rank hatred in your story of Spain's "return to democracy" (whatever that is) are what is expected of you.

Francisco Franco brought decency honor, courage, respect, physical and spiritual health and safety to Spain but you whores prefer the terror of Bolshevism, and you have to spit on any leader or group that effectively stands up against it.

George F. Johnson Upper Darby, Pa.

Arguing with South Africa

Compliments on the lucid and realistic Essay [June 27] on South Africa. It is reassuring to read an appraisal of a highly complex problem and find it free of the rhetoric and hostility emanating from Washington in recent days. Perhaps sanity will yet triumph and an effort will be made to engage the South African people in a dialogue that recognizes human rights for all.

Alexander M. Don, M.D. Dix Hills, N. Y.

I was enraged by Managing Editor Henry Grunwald's statement that "no advanced civilization ... ever existed south of the Sahara." Apparently the man has been reading too many Tarzan books.

What about the kingdom of Benin, which flourished from 1170 to 1900 in what is now Ghana? The artisans of Benin were celebrated throughout Africa. What about the kingdom of Oyo, 1200-1800, and the mighty Ashantis, 1695-1901? The Ashantis were famed as warriors and hunters.

When I look at this country, a modern-day Babylon that is fast approaching its twilight, and see it wallowing in decadence, corruption, immorality and banality, I am proud to realize that absolutely none of it is of my making.

Melissa A. Simmons Grand Island, N. Y.

Sensible—or Insane?