Federal Aid for Earthquake

* It incenses me to read that certain congressional leaders are calling for budget cuts to offset funds to assist those of us in the earthquake zone (Jan. 24). While I am in agreement that we need to balance our federal budget and need to have some fiscal responsibility, I do ask that our leaders extend us the same financial assistance they would another country had this disaster happened elsewhere.

If this earthquake occurred in any other country, especially a Third World nation, Congress would immediately pass an assistance bill, sending billion of dollars as gifts from the Americans. When it is our own, we try to get out of this responsibility, or try to find ways to delay the process and charge for the privilege.

I have suffered extensive damage from this earthquake, both externally and internally. All I want from my government is a loan to repair the physical damages, and some understanding and compassion to repair my emotional damage. If members of Congress, like the outspoken Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), choose to stand in the way, I suggest they spend a few days in my home, and share the experience. Perhaps their ivory towers are impervious, but my home and my nerves are not.

RICK WASSERMAN

Sherman Oaks