Brazil’s Debt
Richard Sayre is right on with his assertion that Brazil must take a hard line on its external debt (Editorial Pages, April 17). We in the First World need to realize that it is in our interest to loosen the pressure for Brazil, and other debtor nations, to service and repay their loans. Democracy is at stake!
Grave errors were committed during the big loan era of the 1970s. We showed irresponsibility by lending money to a country ruled by a repressive military regime. Because this regime did not represent the people of Brazil, it is legitimate for Brazilians to resent repayment of the loans. They didn’t get the money. They shouldn’t have to pay it back.
President Jose Sarney’s Cuzado Plan, with all of its shortcomings, sent a clear message to everyone in Brazil and abroad--the era of military dictatorship is over. A democratic government is developing and has taken the reins of the country. Brazil is our friend. Let’s accept our mistakes and move forward by treating it as a nation of mutually shared values.
JEFFREY W. WHITE
La Habra Heights
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