How can it be that 38 Republicans actually voted against the current military campaign against the mass murderer Slobodan Milosevic? When it comes to our history of using the military to prop up right- wing dictatorships favorable to U.S. business interests (Iran, South Vietnam, the Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile and a host of others), then all is right with the world and such action is characterized as "patriotic."
When, however, the military is used to prevent genocide, which is clearly the case in the former Yugoslavia, or when it is used to help a country recover from a U.S.-sponsored dictator, such as was the case in Haiti, then all of a sudden many of these right-wing Republicans turn collectively into John Lennon, sobbing to all who will listen that we must "give peace a chance."If Milosevic isn't enough reason to use force, then why even have a military? Those Republican cowards who voted to side with the Hitler of the '90s should hang their heads in shame. The only valid criticisms of this action are that it didn't take place in 1992 and that it doesn't include ground troops. The time for compromise is over. There is only one option, and that is the complete and unconditional liberation of Yugoslavia from the murderous thugs who now control it.
If the Republican appeasers in the Senate cannot bring themselves to support this, then perhaps they should resign their seats and consider running instead for a seat in the Serbian parliament.
Ronald O. Richards
Los Angeles