Protest Disrupts Bush’s Speech

Your article on the Bush dinner focused on our eviction from the event, not upon what we said or our motivation for being there. Consequently, I would appreciate your publishing my comments which were made to President Bush.

“Mr. President, self-determination is what the people of Central America want. Self-determination is what the people of Central America deserve. President Bush, you are an Episcopalian. I am an Episcopalian. You profess to be a man of God. I ask that you listen to our presiding bishop who has called for an end to all military aid to El Salvador.”

My plea followed the President’s comment: “Self-determination is contagious, they even want it in Malibu. People are leaping over their volleyball nets to freedom.” This attempt at humor exposes the low regard President Bush has for the fundamental right of people to choose their own government.

While the President is generous in his support of self-determination for Eastern European countries, he conveniently denies the same right to the people of Central America. Isn’t it ironic that the Soviet Union is encouraging openness among its neighbors, while the U.S. applies military restraint to its neighbors.

I would hope that all people of faith and conscience will confront our President through letters, calls and face-to-face statements with the just principle that self-determination is the right of all.

MARY BRENT WEHRLI

Los Angeles