Turmoil in Yugoslavia
The Founding Fathers of our nation believed that governments depend for their legitimacy upon the consent of the governed. Obviously, President Bush, Secretary of State James Baker and the careerists in the State Department have a different view: Governments derive their “just powers” from their established position, their recognition by the “international community” and their control over the coercive instruments of state. If any doubt this, they should consult the oppressed reformers of China, the children of those who survived the Armenian genocide, the Kurds and Shiite Arabs of Iraq and the new republics of Slovenia and Croatia.
It is now clear that “Yugoslavia” is nothing more than a euphemism for Greater Serbia. It is also clear that the White House believes the interests of governments count for more than those of people. What remains to be seen is just when and how this attitude will be applied to us, the people of the United States.
CHARLES WILSON HEWGILL, Anaheim
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
