Patience, Suasion in South Africa
Kilpatrick stated that “economic sanctions simply do not work.” This is an interesting statement coming at a time when South Africa is imposing sanctions on Lesotho by blockading its borders and the Reagan Administration is imploring all of Europe to impose sanctions on Libya.
Kilpatrick states that what is needed in South Africa is patience since reforms are being made. The “reforms” proposed by P.W. Botha have, thus far, been very much like window dressing--meant to look good on the outside.
In reality, some of the reforms, like giving Coloreds and Indians each a “house” in parliament are sleek attempts to further entrench the system. Apartheid has to be dismantled . The options for doing this while preserving lives are dwindling.
It is understandable that many white South Africans do not support dismantling the system--they live luxurious lives (high-paying jobs, beautiful homes, and servants). That is precisely why economic sanctions will work. Sanctions will impact white lives and shake them out of their reverie. Only then will real change occur.
FAITH HOLMES McCLURE
Rowland Heights
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