Gorbachev Era Comes to an End

How many more columnists are going to blame Gorbachev for “destroying his nation”? (Alexander Cockburn, Column Left, Dec. 12). We could begin by putting some blame where it belongs--President Bush and Secretary of State James Baker.

Gorbachev, both a realist and visionary, last August asked for our assistance. Then as now we argued and agreed to assess the situation. Autumn turned into the bleakest winter. No food, no warm clothes, no medicine--only Bush and Baker’s promises to investigate what was needed.

Gorbachev brought his nation to our door as friends--even pledged to support our democratic system for his Soviet people and removed any threat of war. In return, he asked one favor--some food to withstand not only the harsh winter but the pressures from rightist factions that would bring him and his people down if they went hungry and cold.

Well, they are desperately hungry and freezing cold. And Bush and Baker are again saying they’ll assess what’s needed in January. Merry Christmas? Happy New Year? I know Bush and Baker have bodies and minds--the “Grinch” must have stolen their souls and hearts.

BARBARA DeKOVNER-MAYER, Encino