Letters, Feb. 18, 1980

The Big Squeeze

To the Editors:

I would like to know why your cover depicted the paw of the Russian bear caught in a steel trap in Afghanistan [Jan. 28] when it is the U.S. that is behaving like a wounded animal?

Karl M. Rabenold Blue Bell, Pa.

The Soviet military action in Afghanistan is the response to the inconsistencies of Western powers' policies toward the U.S.S.R. in the past. It is appalling to see that while there is a choice of doing something about it, the Western powers choose to wait until it's too late to act at all.

Janko E. Svarc Caracas

You say that "many experts believe that Carter's zigzagging policy has confused, irritated and at times infuriated the Soviets," consequently contributing to, even promoting, the Afghanistan invasion. Is it fair to blame the bearer of the olive branch for the escalation of conflicts around the world? The mistake, the act, the crime is the Soviets' aggression.

Michael Brady Fayetteville, N.C.

Three cheers for Margaret Thatcher and the people of Great Britain, who, in the spirit of Winston Churchill, have come to our side in this hour of challenge to the U.S. and NATO.

John F. Gibbons Woodland Park, Colo.

Since the Soviets have taken Afghanistan, I think the Americans should just grab Cuba.

Jochen Brecht Hamburg, West Germany

Whose Liberte?

The French Foreign Minister says that "France is not America's farmyard" [Jan. 28] but conveniently forgets that his country was a graveyard for Americans who fought for France's freedom. I guess it all depends on whose liberté, egalité and fraternité are on the line!

Harriette B. Wagner Northbrook, Ill.

The Olympics and Politics

So the Soviet authorities have sent the courageous and brilliant Andrei Sakharov to internal exile [Feb. 4]. We are sharply reminded of the Soviets' general policy of clamping down on dissidents in anticipation of the increased presence of Westerners during the Moscow Olympics.

Let those who condemn the mixing of politics with sports take note of what this year's Olympics venue means for the brave souls who dare to speak out against abuse of power in the Soviet Union.

Philip H. Johnstone Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole, France

The possible measures to prevent U.S. athletes from participation in the 1980 Olympics are supposed to be an act of retaliation against the Soviet Union. In practice, however, it poses a threat to the world athletic movement and every other form of international cooperation. The political aim of such a boycott is to divide that unique fraternity of athletes and subvert all other forms of their international cooperation.

Spartak Beglov Moscow

Test-Tube Babies

What a foolish statement Biologist Ruth Hubbard made, saying that in vitro fertilization reinforces society's notions that women's lives are worthless unless they bear children [Jan. 21]. No one is forcing fertilization on anyone, but now unfertile women have another option. It's quite miraculous.

Marilyn Rosen Los Angeles

George Meany