Central America

To the Editors:

After reading your comprehensive story on our big stick approach to Central America [Aug. 8], I wondered what would happen if, the next time a poor, ill-fed and uneducated people revolted against a dictatorship, the U.S. were to support the rebels. The Russians would then have no one to aid. Would this be so terrible?

Sherman Siegel King of Prussia, Pa.

During the Viet Nam War, the U.S. justified its bombing raids on Cambodia by arguing that Cambodia was a neutral country being used by the Viet Cong to launch attacks on South Viet Nam. Now, ironically, William Clark is afraid that Nicaragua will strike against Honduras in order to stop the U.S.-backed contras who are operating from there.

Farhat Biviji Cherry Hill, N.J.

Your Essay on the need for patience in our relationship with Central America is accurate, reasonable and to the point. It makes clear why the present unilateral U.S. actions are dangerous. Our policies cannot be sustained long enough to induce the kinds of changes that are necessary in this region.

Wally Parker Fall Creek, Ore.

Time is running out for the U.S. We must start facing up to the world's problems and seeking equitable solutions. This cannot be accomplished with men like Ronald Reagan and William Clark making decisions for us.

Richard T. Walnut Vincentown, N.J.

By once again rolling out the big guns in Central America, the Reagan Administration has shown that it has no new ideas to offer on foreign policy.

Dean Carroll Wellington, New Zealand

If we had had a resolute leader like Ronald Reagan in the White House at the time of the Bay of Pigs episode, we would not be in such a vulnerable position in Central America today.

John Playfair Bristol, Tenn.

Two lessons learned in Viet Nam can be applied to Central America: we cannot hesitate, and we must be decisive. Acting quickly and firmly is the only way to show the Soviets that we are serious. President Reagan is trying to follow this course. But Congress, which wants to reduce our aid to Central America, is leading us into another Viet Nam.

Paul D. Trampe St. Louis

When we think about Central America, we should remember Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Cuba, Southeast Asia and Afghanistan. As a 22-year-old who is planning to join the Navy, I say it is time America used the "big stick" to stop the spread of Communism.

Alan Darcy Smith Grand Forks, N. Dak.

If we must be in Central America, let's go with a winner. We can switch our support to the guerrillas in El Salvador simply by calling them antifascist.

Harry M. Snell Nashville

When will we Americans learn we cannot billy-club the world into submission without loss of human lives? To the Reagan Administration and its "get tough" approach in Central America, I say, "Enough!"

Jay C. Jones Middleton, Wis.

Clark in Charge

Before reading your story on National Security Adviser William Clark, who is influencing our Central American diplomacy [Aug. 8], I was merely disgusted with the Reagan policy toward that region. After reading your report, I am scared to death.

John F. Hughes Alexandria, Va.

After observing administrators like Richard Allen, Anne Burford, Rita Lavelle, James Watt, Edward Meese and now William Clark, I am convinced that U.S. affairs are being directed by a group of incompetents.

Roger M. Dunn Wheaton, III.

There cannot be two Secretaries of State. For almost two decades the U.S. has experimented unsuccessfully with that arrangement. National Security Advisers under Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and now Ronald Reagan all usurped duties belonging to the Secretary of State. Let us do away with the position of National Security Adviser.

William E. Sawyer Commerce, Texas

Admittedly William Clark does not resemble any of his predecessors as National Security Adviser. Clark's honesty, selflessness and devotion to the President make him unique. I am tempted to send him a portable barbecue, hoping it will satisfy his yearning for his ranch and keep him on the job in Washington.

Roger Don Ion Carpinteria, Calif.

Anchors Aweigh

The demotion of Roger Mudd as anchorman on NBC News [Aug. 8] reinforces my opinion that David Brinkley, Chet Huntley, Walter Cronkite, John Chancellor and Edwin Newman would never be hired if they were starting out today. They are not pretty enough.

Edwin L. Feibelman Jr. Walla Walla, Wash.

Among the TV news anchors at NBC, Roger Mudd was the most believable. His voice was pleasant and his enunciation perfect. Without Mudd, NBC will slip.

Jim Dumas Sr. Chowchilla, Calif.

Your NBC sources are wrong about who was responsible for the change in format of the TV news anchor at the network. I never lobbied for a change in my arrangement with Roger Mudd on Nightly News. The change was initiated by NBC News management.

Tom Brokaw New York City

The difference between Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather is that Jennings has class. The other two are Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

(Rev.) Charles F. Schreiner Gig Harbor, Wash.

The best news in ages is that Tom Brokaw will be the sole anchor for 30 minutes on NBC News. Only one thing could be better, Brokaw for 60 minutes.

Carol Samuels Colorado Springs, Colo.

Reprieve for Fido

I am delighted that the public outcry thwarted the Defense Department's plans to wound dogs by firing squads so that military doctors can learn to treat the injuries [Aug. 8]. But I mourn for the pigs, cattle, monkeys and other animals that continue to endure hell in slaughterhouses and research laboratories. When they cry out, no one listens.

Holly Sternberg Guilderland, N. Y.

I do not understand the reasoning behind the Pentagon's decision to wound deliberately a laboratory dog and then kill the poor creature after military physicians treat the animal. The doctors who are willing to participate in such a program cannot possibly be sensitive to human suffering.

Patricia T. Edkins Carrboro, N.C.

The complaints of dog lovers are disturbing. The only way we can simulate the reaction of trauma to the body, without actually using humans, is to experiment on animals. If doctors are not allowed to practice on these creatures, they will not become the highly skilled surgeons that people can trust.

Pablo Mendoza Jr. San Diego

Doctors who want to learn how to treat gunshot injuries should work in the emergency room of a city hospital, where they will find a variety of wounds. Certainly military physicians do not need to shoot dogs to get this kind of experience.

Mary Tackman Camillius, N. Y.

Will's Way

In his article summoning me to higher standards of journalistic conduct, Thomas Griffith [Aug. 8] uses a peculiar phrase.

He speaks of "when word got out" that I had known that Reagan's people had Carter material. Your readers might like to know that word "got out" because I said it on network television.

Your story also says that once before my "professional conduct" was criticized. Your readers might be interested in knowing that my sin against the profession was ... giving then President-elect Reagan a meal.

George F. Will Chevy Chase, Md.

Aluminum and Alzheimer's

Your article on Alzheimer's disease [July 11] was timely. Congress has just begun to look seriously at this devastating illness and to determine how much money will be needed for research. Alzheimer's, which affects from 2.5 million to 4 million Americans, actually approaches epidemic proportions as our elderly population increases.

While aluminum pots may have been ruled out as the source of the unusually high concentrations of aluminum in Alzheimer's disease victims, researchers are now exploring another possible cause: that is, a link between acid rain and Alzheimer's disease. There is no question that acid rain contributes to the toxic levels of free aluminum in our environment and is detrimental to plants and wildlife. Consequently, it must be asked: Is the high aluminum concentration in the brains of Alzheimer's victims the result of the disease? Or could the illness be caused by the high levels of aluminum and other elements in the soil and drinking water that are apparently a result of acid rain?

Olympia J. Snowe, Representative

Second District, Maine

Washington, D.C.

Drive-Ins Decline

I assume the writer of "Dark Clouds over the Drive-Ins" [Aug. 8] has not been to an outdoor movie in the past few years. No parent would take his child to see the trash being shown. And no adult in his right mind would want to go either. There is too much noise, beer, drugs and blasting stereos going on around your car.

Jan Meyer Roscoe, Ill.

Like the poodle skirt, bobby-sox and d.a. haircuts, drive-ins are a thing of the past. To try to revive them now would be like restoring Grandma's radio in place of the TV.

Marylin Jameston Marblehead, Mass. This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so viewer discretion is required.