Pubdate: Sat, 27 May 2000 Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Copyright: 2000 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Contact: P.O. Box 3110 Honolulu, HI 96802 Fax: (808) 525-8037 Website: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ Author: Kathy J. Phillips 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck