Chamorro’s Upset Win in Nicaragua
From 1929-1979, Nicaragua was a client state of ours. We controlled the country, and kept the Somoza dictatorship in power. Not once during these 50 years when we were in control was there a free election in Nicaragua.
The only two free elections in Nicaragua’s history were held in 1984 and again last Sunday--both times when the Sandinistas were in control. When President Ortega steps down, it will be the first time a Nicaraguan leader has ever given up power as the result of an election.
Instead of gloating over the defeat of the Sandinistas, the Reagan and Bush Administrations should apologize for launching and needlessly prolonging the Contra war that has taken the lives of 30,000 Nicaraguans.
MICHAEL LINFIELD
Los Angeles
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