COLOMBIA'S ELECTIONS

To the Editor:

"U.S. Expects a Wider War on 2 Fronts in Colombia" (news article, April 28)
describes the changes that the United States hopes to see in Colombia after
the presidential elections on May 26. The Bush administration is expecting
the new president to take a much more active and forceful role in the fight
against guerrillas and drug traffickers.

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell is on target with his statement that no
amount of American aid and assistance will help the situation unless the
new Colombian president is committed to pushing his government to make
hard-line decisions and policy changes.

It is time we expect more from leaders than simple promises of change and
do what we can to promote leaders who are committed to the fights that need
fighting.

EMILY UPCHURCH

Davidson, N.C., April 30, 2002