Sister of Lebanon Hostage Assails Reagan Inaction

I am writing this open letter to President Reagan, Secretary of State George P. Shultz and all the members of the State Department in protest for the way the American hostage situation in Lebanon has been handled. I am also sending copies to my congressman to ask him what he has done to help.

I can’t believe that President Reagan and Secretary Shultz did not negotiate and make a deal with the Soviets to get the release of Nicholas Daniloff. Does Reagan really believe the American people are so stupid they would believe that? It was obvious to me that something questionable was going on from the beginning. Don’t misunderstand me, I am happy for Daniloff that he is a free man. But why in the name of human decency haven’t Reagan and Shultz done something to free the Americans being held hostage in Lebanon?

I have become extremely bitter against Reagan and the American government. Do they realize the torment, stress and pain the hostages and their families are going through? My heart aches and I cry for my brother when I see him on the video tapes that the TV news media show of him.

Yes, hostage David Jacobsen is my brother, so I know well the hopelessness and futility of nothing being done for the 16 months he has been held hostage. I wonder if Reagan’s brother or son were kidnaped, how long they would have been held hostage?

The hostages are good, law-abiding American citizens and have always served their country well. Why isn’t the American government doing something for these men? There have been plenty of Americans taken hostage during the Reagan Administration and the President has done lots of negotiating for their release. Where is the justice in this? I think it is disgusting and a disgrace to this country the way these men are being treated.

The families of the hostages have spent endless hours, days and now months doing everything we can think of to interest the American people and enlist their help. I’m sure everyone is sick of hearing about the whole mess and wishes Reagan would do something to resolve this terrible injustice.

Even if he had to back down and negotiate with the terrorists, he has done it for others, why not these men?

If Reagan is worried about his image, he’d better start doing something to better it. In my opinion, he has lost it already. Is he just going to ignore it and let these men die a slow and painful death?

For many months I have remained silent and not voiced my opinion in fear that I might jeopardize my brother’s life. Now I feel the time has come for someone to speak up and let the American public know how President Reagan and Secretary Shultz have deserted some of your fellow citizens. Think about it; the hostages could have been your brother, father, son, or even you. Something has to he done about it, and now. Would you like to be treated like these hostages?

Pressure has to be put on President Reagan. I hope the American people aren’t going to just stand by and let them get away with this disgraceful treatment of the hostages.

DORIS FISHER

Glendora