"SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS' AS ALLY, NOT FOE, OF DRUG TRADE

The Pentagon continues to maintain the School of the Americas
purportedly to fight drug production and trafficking in Latin America
(Stephanie Salter's column, "A priest's war against "School of
Assassins'," Opinion Page, Jan. 31). There is mounting evidence,
ironically, that the military in many Latin American countries is
deployed to protect the drug trade.

Recruits to the "school" at Ft. Benning, Ga., are allegedly arriving
with bags of drug money to be laundered in the States.

About the Rev. Roy Bourgeois himself: He is the antithesis of the
angry fanatic railing against monstrous foreign policy. He made his
statement, for which he served time in federal prison, and he remains
a man of hope and joy.

Thanks to Salter's article more of us will join Father Roy's campaign
to close the School of the Americas. Bill and Henrietta Griffitts Martinez

Regarding Stephanie Salter's article on the "School of Assassins /
School of the Americas," and on the previous page the editorial,
"Margaritas at the monastery" : Thank you for giving us worthwhile,
meaningful and helpful articles.

I have one question: Why is the School of the Americas so protected by
our government?

Dianne Vantomme Half Moon Bay