Presidential Election

Let us hope, as your editorial (“Rightist Cheek,” Nov. 12) suggests, that George Bush will not feel obliged to put ultraconservative ideologues in positions where they could jeopardize his Administration in its relations with Congress and the people. With the far right now apparently focusing mostly on domestic matters, this might be a good time for Bush to make a bold move in the foreign policy field.

One of the most constructive things Bush could do would be to name as his assistant for national security affairs a civilian with a distinguished record in foreign affairs, particularly in dealing with the Middle East and the communist powers. This would gratify Congress by complying with an important recommendation of the Iran-Contra select committee, and it could be reinforced by a presidential assurance that the National Security Council would no longer be misused as an action agency.

Especially at a time when international tensions are lessening, such a choice would be well regarded abroad as consistent with Bush’s campaign promise of a “kinder, gentler nation.”

FRANCES LEVEILLE

Long Beach