Possible U.S. Invasion of Haiti

* Re “Why It’s Smart to Bet on a Haiti Invasion,” Column Right, Aug. 21:

So, Jeane Kirkpatrick opposes a possible Clinton-ordered invasion of Haiti on the grounds that such an action would violate Haiti’s sovereignty. In doing so, it would subvert notions of international law and national interest by arguing for “the use of force to ‘restore democracy’ as a necessary strategy for protecting international peace and security.”

Consider the following quotation: “The prohibitions against the use of force in the U.N. Charter . . . are not absolute when issues such as ‘freedom, democracy, and peace’ are at stake.”

The latter quote appeared in The Times on Oct. 28, 1983, when none other than Kirkpatrick herself was justifying the U.S. invasion of Grenada against a U.N. resolution condemning Reagan’s action.

What a difference the partisan control of the presidency makes in Kirkpatrick’s judgment of which invasions in the name of “freedom, democracy, and peace” are just and which ones are unconscionable violations of underdeveloped countries’ sovereignty!

MATTHEW SHUGART

La Costa

* Re Haiti’s abandoned children, Aug. 27: If we starve them with our blockade, it will certainly create an opinion of our country as “demon-crazy” rather than a democracy. Let us give Haitians a chance to live with some dignity rather than sacrifice so many citizens just to bolster our false egos. Maybe if we show concern for suffering people, even the present Haitian leaders will soften up. Kindness is contagious.

HANS CRAMER

Los Angeles

* The debate over an invasion of Haiti waxes hot and heavy. According to the reports we read in the media, the time for action appears ripe. But I don’t see why we should invade with a rapid deployment force. An invasion will create casualties and property damage for which we will become responsible. We have a unit in the U.S. Army, whose role is tailored to such situations: Special Forces.

The population of Haiti would like nothing better than to oust this coup-installed cabal now in power. It will only take a spark to explode and propel the natives in that direction. Instead of doing the job ourselves, let us give the indigenous population the chance to regain their self-respect and honor.

Let us just infiltrate a few Special Forces operational detachments, less than 50 Green Berets, who will furnish the spark to explode the people into action.

We are not seeking glory. Let the Haitians bask in its warmth.

AARON BANK

San Clemente

* The people of Haiti do not want U.S. intervention under any pretense. I wish someone could explain to the American people the need for invasion or even the embargo. If American troops are used, we can expect loss of life. Haiti is training to meet the American threat and killing will occur on both sides.

Perhaps we will learn from Somalia that interference in other countries is not without cost. Americans were murdered, taxpayers paid for invasion costs and continuing medical expenses for real or imagined war syndromes.

We need to alert our Washington representatives to give Haiti a wide berth, if a helping hand is not an alternative.

IAN QUIGLEY

Rancho Santa Margarita