Nicaragua and El Salvador

Amen, amen and amen again to Morris Blackman’s column (“U.S. Claims of Success in El Salvador Ignore Reality,” Opinion, Oct. 2). During Central American Independence Week in El Salvador, military and police groups violently broke up several peaceful demonstrations that were petitioning the government.

The issues were ending arbitrary arrests and assassinations, and releasing payroll and earthquake repair funds for the university. Many arrested during those demonstrations and labor office break-ins have not been released and have disappeared. Those arrested include children.

The National Republican Alliance has acquired the majority in the electoral college, judiciary and armed forces during the past two months with U.S. and European military aid. A hold on any additional funding and investigation of the brutality and death squads would be a great relief to the Salvadoran people.

LYNNE HALPIN

Whittier