HISTORY AND THE PLO
Kim Murphy, undoubtedly unintentionally, has followed the long-held propaganda line of the PLO (“The Divided House of Arafat,” Dec. 5). For years the PLO has couched its actions in military language: Its attacks were “military operations,” and the casualties were “soldiers.”
But euphemistic language cannot negate the facts. The “soldiers” were terrorists, and the “military operations” were terrorist attacks. The scores of slain civilians--worshiping in synagogues, shopping at marketplaces, riding on buses or dining in restaurants when they were attacked--were innocent men, women and children.
Past bitterness can prevent future progress, and we must move on from here. But history cannot be ignored, nor should it be rewritten.
CHERYL CUTLER AZAIR, DIRECTOR
ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE
Los Angeles
Murphy eloquently explains the message President John F. Kennedy intended to deliver at the Dallas Trade Mart: “There will always be dissident voices heard in the land, expressing opposition without alternatives, finding fault but never favor, perceiving gloom on every side and seeking influence without responsibility.”
CLARENCE B. SANTOS
Adelanto
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