Anti-Communist Reich

Re “Anti-Communist Reich Given State Dept. Post,” Jan. 12:

Otto Juan Reich, President Bush’s recess appointment as assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere affairs, is referred to as an “anti-Communist.” I hope this is meant as a compliment.

The article states that opponents to his appointment see it as a “bouquet to the Cuban Americans in Florida.” Such opponents apparently take issue with the legitimate anger of those people who see Cuba being operated as a police state by dictator Fidel Castro, where democratic elections are not allowed, basic human rights are denied and dissenters are harassed and imprisoned. Defenders of the Castro regime point to what they claim is a good educational and health system in Cuba. But if this is the standard by which to judge a society then slavery could be justified if the slaves received similar benefits.

John Haggerty

Woodland Hills