Oliver North

Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, felt a compelling need for protection of the Fifth Amendment (“ ‘The 5th’ Is a Shield for All,” Editorial Page, Aug. 6). She declared that the likes of the Norths, the (Rear Adm. John) Poindexters and the (businessman Albert) Hakims were trodden upon. But when she compares this to the plight of the El Salvador refugees for her argument, she belies what I feel should be the basis for ACLU interest.

The “Contragate crew” illegally contributed to an illegal war resulting in death and murder; whereas the El Salvador sanctuary movement contributed to saving lives.

I think that the ACLU needs to weigh and measure its decisions using the more basic guideline based on human ethos and ethics. If ACLU officials observed that fine line more closely, its membership would increase rather than decrease. And they have that choice in all matters. North and Nazi types are amoral in the search for civilized behavior toward fellow men.

SYLVIA FLISS

Panorama City