Letters: Jul. 19, 1982

Woes of War

To the Editors:

The Israelis and Palestinians have an inherent right to homelands in the Middle East [June 28]. Now that Israel has removed the military threat from its northern border, however, it must negotiate with moderates to establish a Palestinian state.

Andy Higgins

Morgantown, W. Va,

The fact that Presidential Advisers Meese, Baker and Deaver were angry and bitter about Prime Minister Begin's refusal to reveal his plans or to "hold off on everything until after Reagan returned to Washington" illustrates the arrogance of the present Administration. Who do they think they are. requesting that another country delay a military operation deemed crucial to its security?

Katie MacLeod

Dunwoody, Ga.

Israel is not a delinquent child of the U.S. requiring reprimands. It is an orphaned yet strong country that has long struggled for survival. No wonder its main objective is the security of its people, regardless of whom it may offend.

Marianne Knue

Cincinnati

Ironically, it is the American taxpayer who is indirectly financing the destruction in Lebanon and the killing of thousands of people there, with the more than $6 million a day in aid the U.S. gives to Israel. If we are to be thought of as humane, just people, money should be channeled to the victims of this brutal rampage.

Andy Vulcz

Phoenix

Your issue "The Spoils of War" did a good job of elucidating what a tragic story a world at war creates. One realizes what a fragile bond it is that makes us humans first and nations second. It seems that nationalism bolstered by propaganda outweighs our natural instinct for survival. One can only hope that out of the ashes of war will rise a phoenix of peace.

Burt Lehman

Austin

Falklands and Peace

Now that the war in the Falklands is over, the State Department is wondering whether the Argentines and the rest of Latin America are going to love us or not [June 28]. Nobody really likes a rich uncle. U.S. support of the British in the Falklands needs no apology. We were on the side of justice in opposing aggression.

Argentina is basically a rich country, but mismanagement by an inept government brought on economic chaos. Capital, lent in a businesslike manner, can put Argentina back on its feet.

Edgar W. Riebe

Edison, N.J.

What do you call it when a country with 130% inflation illegally "takes control" of territory it does not own, prepares to fight to the finish to hold it, leads its citizens to believe they are winning and, when it loses, blames the U.S.? I call it the most common occurrence of our times.

Scott E. Grant

Bakersfield, Calif.

The U.S. image used to be that of a wealthy country, a model of democracy, an example of the highest ideals—in spite of racial discrimination. Now all of this is tarnished. By taking sides in the Falklands dispute, the U.S. has supported a tradition of evil and stupid pride. The U.S. is a betrayer of justice.

Beatriz O. Allocati

Buenos Aires

Nuclear Challenge