Gorbachev’s ‘New Thinking’

Gorbachev’s article “America--Casting Light and Shadows” (Nov. 30) tells reality like it is. He points out America’s problems, which probably upsets many, but he did so very diplomatically. Gorbachev also admits the problems of his country as well, but of which he is trying to resolve.

What America must do now is wise up and look at the world more realistically. The world is growing smaller and we can no longer bury our heads in the sand to avoid the truth that many Americans are starving and suffering as well as others around the world because of our ignorance and greed. We must realize that big multinationals, the industrial-military complex and the government are the ones who promote anti-communist propaganda to serve their own means.

Second, the American people must insist on being well-educated on matters of the history and political science of our country as well as others such as the Soviet Union. Not only does our democracy depend on it, but now living in a nuclear age so do our lives as well as the lives of our children.

Gorbachev says he understands our right to independently choose our way of life and government. We must also be respectful of other peoples’ determination of life and government. We must never stop asking why. We must stop looking at the Soviet Union, Cuba and Nicaragua with so much distrust.

At the same time, we must become more realistic about our own government and military operations. We can no longer tolerate an Administration set against diplomacy and negotiations and one that refuses to hear the voice of its people.

JULIE R. SCOTT

Fullerton