Intervention in Nicaragua

In response to “Push Getting Close to Shove?” editorial, July 12:

I find it hard to believe that Nicaragua’s neighbors or other Latin American countries would directly intervene in the internal matters of Nicaragua. They simply have no reason to do so and they have enough problems of their own. Moreover, I take issue with The Times’ position of intervention.

The United States is the only country that has ever directly intervened in the internal matters of that country, and logically, it will continue to do so. I am in disbelief when I see how The Times has recently portrayed the Bush Administration as being disinterested in the affairs of Nicaragua.

The Chamorro government and the State Department had denied reports that the United States ambassador to Nicaragua offered 25,000 U.S. combat troops to that government in order “to maintain peace and stability,” during the recent strike. Even if it is a rumor, I am certain that this notion has crossed the minds of those in Washington. Yet even as I write, U.S. economic advisers have been appointed by State Department and are in the country.

If we can remember back six years or so, President Bush and his colleagues were part of an Administration that overtly supported the overthrow of a democratically-elected (1984) government of Daniel Ortega and Sergio Ramirez, by investing precious U.S. taxpayers’ dollars in the Contra-mercenary groups. And I am sure that neo-liberal, right-wing private groups in this country have not dropped the cause “to democratize Nicaragua.” They, too, have permeated the country.

My point is that whatever intervention takes place will be that of the North Americans. It is occurring now and will continue to do so.

GILBERTO AVILES-CASTRO

Los Angeles