I would like to make a few comments about the opinions expressed by the Chicago Tribune. Many are good, but, The Tribune supports aid for the contra rebels. It is claimed to be the right cause. I personally know three people who have recently traveled to Nicaragua, living and working with the people. They tell me that such talk of ”good freedom fighters” is just plain incorrect. It is not hard to confirm this. The New York Times reported that the contras blew up a bus with a land mine and shot those who survived–mostly mothers and their children.
By no stretch of the imagination can the contras be said to be the right cause, nor can the Sandinistas, although the Sandinistas don`t shoot women and children. The Nicaraguan people hate and fear the contras, the leadership being from Somoza`s national guard.
What is the answer? The Contadora talks seem to be a step in the right direction. More guns (or land mines) to the contras would not be. The agreement would, if I understand it correctly, prohibit arms shipments to Nicaragua from all countries, including the Soviet Union. I don`t understand why President Reagan has derailed the talks.
