Viewing the Cold War

All the letters printed on human rights (June 6) were critical, in one context or another, of President Reagan and his human rights remarks at the recent summit meeting in Moscow.

Several of these correspondents indulged in the currently popular sport of “America-bashing,” comparing our failings to the Soviet Union. While it is admirable to strive for Utopia, it is insulting to this nation to compare our shortcomings with those of the USSR.

We do not limit citizens from traveling within or without this country, nor are any of us prevented from relocating to another land. We do not imprison citizens without trial, nor do we incarcerate them in psychiatric hospitals and tamper with their minds. We do not convert churches to museums, nor do we prevent the sale and reading of religious material. We maintain no labor camps similar to those in Siberia, nor do we increase prison sentences arbitrarily. Our people do not live in fear of speaking or writing their views--even those that are patently unfair and unfounded--witness those printed on June 6.

MARTHA L. REYNOLDS

Downey