Reagan Policy in Nicaragua
Reagan has come out with a most audacious proposal regarding his policy in Nicaragua. Realizing that he may not have the votes in Congress to release $14 million for military aid to the contras , he is now asking that the money be sent for food, clothing and medicine if negotiations begin between the Sandinistas and the rebels. The purpose of this gimmick is to make it appear like a peace proposal. It is just as Orwellian as calling the MX missile the “Peacekeeper” and the contras “Freedom Fighters.”
The President knows well that the Sandinistas would never agree to negotiate with the contras who are fighting to overthrow the fairly elected government. He also knows that many rebels were members of the late dictator Anastasio Somoza’s notorious National Guard.
The United States has no right to overthrow any foreign government because that is contrary to the principle of self-determination of nations. There is no believable evidence that the people of Nicaragua wish to overthrow the Sandinista government.
The idea that the $14 million would be used for non-military aid is a farce. The contras could withdraw from negotiations and the aid would become military again. Any aid, no matter what it is called, would help the contras . It’s all part of the same war.
The whole idea is an insult to the intelligence for the American people. It would be a shame and a tragedy if Congress fell for this outrageous proposal.
SIDNEY SIEGEL
North Hollywood
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