Opposition Toward U.S. Gulf Actions

Your story about the “speak-in” at Java Cafe (Times, Jan. 17) condensed my remarks in a way that may have left readers with misimpressions of my reasons for opposing U.S. intervention in the Persian Gulf.

I want to make clear that I absolutely oppose Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait. I object to double standards, however, in which some invasions and occupations are acceptable and others are not. The U.S. is not in the Persian Gulf because we take consistent principled positions. If we oppose human rights violations in Kuwait, we must oppose them in Saudi Arabia. If we oppose occupation, we must oppose occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. If we oppose invasion, we must not assault Panama or Grenada.

When the U.S. inconsistently applies its might and its morals, we breed enormous rage. The world will feel its lasting effects for years.

KATE HARRIS

Los Angeles