‘Case for Glee at Reagan’s Comeuppance’

Everyday we are told who to blame for the disarray in our foreign policy. In Kinsley’s article, it is the President who “lacks conventional mental and moral assets.” The article also implies the people are to blame, for--in spite of this--they loved him and a large majority seemed not to mind. Some say the press is to blame, since it did not reveal the faults of the President, nor give a true picture of the man. Others say it is Reagan’s advisers and staff for not keeping him informed. It is natural to find someone to blame, for in that way we can abdicate our responsibility. However, the reality is we have played a part.

It is very human to want to to believe in a great leader who will solve all our problems. But in our democratic society, each one of us carries that responsibility. We need to stop looking for someone to blame, find out what is wrong, and take responsibility to correct it.

Another article the same day by Hamdiu Saleh (Editorial Pages, Dec. 4), “Let Reagan Prove His Peacemaking Motive,” gives an insight into the solution. Writing about the conflicts in the Middle East, he suggests an arms embargo and humanitarian assistance for the rebuilding of devastated countries . . . that a sincere effort to end the conflict could transfer it from the realm of superpower competition to cooperation. The lesson we have not learned is that lasting peace cannot be assured by the use of military arms and violence. The means and the end must be congruent.

The world is now too small for wars to continue without disastrous results. The superpowers have vital interests all over. Now is the time for us to take responsibility and move to negotiated, peaceful resolutions.

RITA WEIL

Woodland Hills