‘A Matter of Balance’

It was Kissinger’s opinion that Congress has been inconsistent in its prohibition and then approval of funding for the contras; that it was sending misleading signals to the Administration, and that it was not assuming responsibility for its actions.

From 1982 on, I and thousands of others participated in a national debate about the use of violence in Central America. We thought we had convinced Congress that our country should not use funds to overthrow a sovereign nation that we recognize. We thought we had won the battle. But it seemed that every six months there again was a new anti-Sandinista, pro-contra bill before the Congress.

And who was behind all those repeated attempts for contra funding? It certainly wasn’t Congress. They had dealt with it enough. It was the Administration slowly wearing down the opposition. So why does Kissinger blame Congress?

And what was our Administration doing during all this? It was mining harbors plus a whole lot more we’ll never know about. We were breaking international law! Congress never authorized that!

Even if we did succeed in overthrowing the Sandinistas, how would we deal with a few million freedom-fighters that are on the other side now? How could we expect them to show compassion and gratitude for what we have done? Lastly, what are our real plans for a new government in Nicaragua? Will we find a “Son of (former dictator Anastasio) Somoza” to protect our interests?

ROGER CRAM

Santa Barbara