‘Star Wars’

For the last number of years, the United States and Soviet Union were at loggerheads over the issue of “Star Wars.” The Russians thick-headedly insisted upon the relinquishment of the “Star Wars” project as a precondition to arms reduction. The United States stood up to this demand and steadfastly refused to be forced into its abandonment.

The Russians have finally seen the light and they no longer insist upon the elimination of “Star Wars” as a precondition. But now we hear from Washington that “Star Wars” is not worth a tinker’s damn in the first place, and we couldn’t afford it if it was worth anything in the second place.

My question is: Did something get lost in translation for the last five years? Alice, please come back from Wonderland; we need you.

MARTIN M. SHAPERO

Woodland Hills