Letters: Oct. 22, 1984

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Greeting Gromyko

To the Editors:

So now President Reagan wants to make nice with the Soviets and invites Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to Washington [NATION, Oct. 1]. Reagan has finally come to realize that all the talk about "winnable" nuclear war and the holy war against godless Communism has only brought us closer to disaster. Like it or not, we share this planet with the Soviets. Either we live together or die together.

Wayne Karol

Huntington Station, N. Y.

Your article has led me to conclude that the Soviet Union is more concerned about preventing nuclear war than President Reagan is. When the U.S. started deploying nuclear weapons in Europe, the U.S.S.R. saw it as a clear sign that the President had no intention of seriously negotiating an arms-control treaty. Now, when Reagan is forced by the upcoming election to show that he is not a warmonger, the Soviets immediately send their top diplomat, Gromyko.

Mark A. Miedlar

DeKalb, Ill.

Gromyko probably appeared dour and unsmiling in New York because of the old Russian belief that important people should not smile in public.

Arthur Hawley

Seaford, Australia

Beirut Bombing

The latest attack against the U.S. embassy in Beirut [WORLD, Oct. 1] is another tragic example of terrorists attempting to alter our nation's foreign policy in the Middle East.

Seth Eisenberg

Bloomington, Ind.

The inept security around our Beirut embassy continues to amaze me. A child would know the solution. Dig a 6-ft. trench across the roadway. Add a drawbridge and keep it open. Any terrorist vehicle without wings would bury itself in he hole and selfdestruct. A day's work should do it.

John de Ruyter

New York City

Loving America

I am falling in love with my country [NATION, Sept. 24]. President Reagan's positive attitude sets me aflame. This Beautiful feeling makes anything possible.

Rose Evanoff

Midland, Texas

I love America too. But I loved it more in the '60s, when it had a social conscience and cared about the rest of the world. Those were the last days of true patriotism.

Judy Stern

Minneapolis

The new show of patriotism comes after decades of hearing other countries malign us. We have watched our citizens taken hostage in Iran and our servicemen blown up in Beirut. I do not care any more what "they" think. I love America.

Judy Smeester

Aurora, Colo.

Harry Britt says he has not found anyone who does not feel good about being an American right now. Well, he has not talked to me. I am ashamed of this country and what Ronald Reagan has done to the millions of poor people. I am ashamed of the violence shown toward children, women and animals. I am ashamed of the selfishness that characterizes our business and personal values. I am ashamed that not everyone in this country has equal rights although we have equal problems. Most of all, I am ashamed that the majority of Americans are so easily fooled by President Reagan.

Lisa Payne

Louisville