Gorbachev’s U.S. Visit
Yes, “boorish” is the word to describe the conservative members of the House of Representatives who threatened to walk out if Mikhail Gorbachev addressed Congress (Part I, Nov. 19). We are a democratic society, and to maintain this democracy we should listen to the views of those who disagree with us. We must never close our minds, or ears, to views that do not coincide with ours.
Gorbachev is the leader of one of the two most powerful nations in the world. We would do ourselves a disservice if we don’t give ourselves the opportunity to listen to what he has to say. The Congress is an excellent forum. Right wingers like Reps. Dick Cheney (R-Wyo.), Dan Burton (R-Ind.), Robert Walker (R-Pa.) and Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.) might learn something. I think I have more to fear from them than from Gorbachev.
CLEMENT SALVADORI
Laguna Beach
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