Jesse Jackson

Re “ ‘Free at Last,’ 3 Soldiers Arrive at U.S. Air Base,” May 3:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his interfaith delegation are not miracle workers. They simply understand, in a very profound way, the power of words over weapons and mediation over obliteration. When human beings stop talking, hatred escalates, emotions run rampant and the killing begins.

Less than 50 years ago, racism ran wild in this country, particularly in the Southern states. However, we didn’t confront the atrocities by bombing the South. Giant steps toward racial equality were made on the back of the civil rights movement--a movement characterized by patience, love, understanding, unyielding convictions and the power of words--led by Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers, one of whom was Jackson.

We can destroy a thousand bridges, but it will never obliterate centuries of ethnic hatred in Yugoslavia. And there will always be a Slobodan Milosevic waiting in the wings to stir up the flames of ethnic division. It’s easy to destroy a nation with a powerful military; it’s much more difficult to sit down at the mediation table. Listen to Jackson: He knows the power of talk.

JUDI A. KESSLER

Santa Barbara

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I’m very glad to know our three servicemen are home safe. But, isn’t our goal to end the genocide and rape of the ethnic Albanian people? To bring a million of them who are dying in refugee camps home? I wish this had been the reason the religious leaders went over to Yugoslavia.

We have to understand as Americans that if we aren’t willing to risk our lives until we face another Pearl Harbor at our doorsteps, it may be too late. Jackson should remember what King said, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.” Milosevic is not interested in peace; he’s interested in good propaganda. Unfortunately, Jackson has now given it to him.

RICHARD DIAMOND

Los Angeles

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Jackson returns from Yugoslavia, bearing a message of peace from Milosevic. I must welcome him at the airport! Where’s my umbrella?

MATTHEW B. TEPPER

Los Angeles

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Bravo for Jackson. I am in awe!

Maybe he can stop the most violent show on TV--namely, the bombings in Kosovo.

BONNIE WOLLAM

San Luis Obispo

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If it were not for the strong group of Orthodox Christian clergy that accompanied and assisted Jackson, there might not have been a prisoner release. Your story lacks a list and brief bios of the entire delegation. Many readers I’m sure would like to have known of all participants. This was accomplished by the prayers and action of the group as a whole!

PHILIP GEORGIOUS

El Segundo