HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF IN COLOMBIA

Although I have admired some of Denby Fawcett’s TV news reports, I was
disturbed by her article "Vietnam reporter wanted to change her life, not
history" (Advertiser, April 23).

Like many articles nostalgic for war these days, she masks historical causes
and costs by focusing on private benefits. A chance to escape a "boring"
job, advance a career, pursue a "love affair" should not eclipse the fact
that the United States blocked democratic election in Vietnam in 1956 and
supported undemocratic and repressive puppet governments. Three million
Vietnamese (including two million civilians) and 58,000 Americans died in
our war. I found Fawcett’s conclusion especially chilling: "Would I go back
again? In the beat of a heart, yes."

Who’s heartbeat are we concerned about? The longing for a new war to spice
up private lives, especially as a scarcely reported U.S. war in Colombia is
now waging?

Just as in Vietnam, the United States is supporting a government with known
ties to right-wing death squads and with as much involvement with drugs as
the rebels are involved. President Clinton is planning $1.3 billion in new
aid for 67 attack helicopters to defoliate the country.

We already wrought this devastation in Vietnam. Are we going to do it again
with no questions asked?

Kathy J. Phillips