Lt. Col. Oliver North: Patriotic Hero or Misguided Zealot?

I think it is time we bring back the compulsory draft to really test the sincerity of the young men chanting, “Ollie . . . Ollie!” and the depth of their patriotism.

They really have nothing to lose in their support of aid to the contras, as the danger is remote. But if all our young men were required to spend time in active military duty it would change a lot of the Hollywood version of what war really is.

VICTOR GENTILE

Beverly Hills

(Since Friday The Times has received 475 letters opposing North’s actions and 134 letters in support of him.)