mambo (04/13/83)
In 1979-1980 I wrote a thesis on the existing situation in Cambodia, or Kampuchea as the people thereof began refering to it again. I could not help but learn a little about the "war" in Vietnam and the United States involvement in that event. In 1983 I was leafing through Newsweek when I came upon a quote that paraphrased the familiar Domino Theory. I naturally assumed that Newseek had stopped worrying about "reporting the news before it happens" as they say, and had decided to take a retrospective look at Indochina. I was shocked when I looked back at the beginning of the article and found that it was a story about El Salvador. We haven't heard too much about Indochina in this country lately. Out of sight, out of mind I guess. We are always hearing about the 6 million Jews that were killed by the Nazis in WWII 40 years ago. Both situations were and still are great tragedies, however, the 7 million that were killed in Cambodia lost their lives only 5 or 6 years ago and already we seem to have forgotten about them. Maybe it's because there aren't any Cambodians left today that are able to remind us. Now, my heart is not subject to bleeding spells for the most part, but I still believe that I am a human being. It does seem that the situation in Central America is following a course similar to that of Indochina. It is also likely that it is just a continuing episode in the Domino Theory. It is also true that I registered for the draft just 2 years ago when I turned 18, and if there were a draft I would willingly lend myself, and possibly give my life, to my country. I do, however, have serious doubts and questions as to whether any involvement in Central America, especially if it continues to follow so closely the course that the Indochina situation did, can be justified if all we can expect to see as a result is another country like Cambodia. What's wrong with non-violently protesting against violent inhumanity? Thankyou for taking the time to read this. Fred Richards - Someone who used to think people are basically good. mhuxt!mambo Bell Labs, Murray Hill