Bigotry Toward Arabs

Geyelin’s article raises several interesting points, particularly in regard to his attitude regarding a double standard toward Arabs.

Geyelin displays the other side of the double standard when he comments about Jordan’s King Hussein’s “hard efforts to promote the peace process at great personal and political risk . . .” How would most of us react if we were told that President Reagan could suffer “personal and political risk” if he took certain actions? I think most of us would be outraged and those threatening such actions would find themselves behind bars in a short time. However, such threats and actions are commonplace in the Arab world.

Geyelin and others deplore so-called double standards when they appear to be applied to anyone in the Soviet bloc, the Arab world or to anyone who is opposed to the interests of the United States. However, when the double standard is applied against the United States or its citizens or its allies, we are supposed to “understand” the culture and background of the groups acting against us.

Nowhere do I hear appeals to understand our culture and beliefs. Nowhere do I hear a call to express the philosophy that two wrongs do not make a right. I only hear apologists like Geyelin ask for “understanding” and even acceptance of patterns of behavior that most Americans would find totally revolting.

Frankly, I believe that it is high time for the world to understand that personal risks for political action is unacceptable to Americans, the holding of innocent victims to achieve political gains or to right real or alleged wrongs is not acceptable and that cultures and people who act in these manners are by our standards savages and barbarians and should be dealt with accordingly.

NORMAN D. REDLICH

Woodland Hills