Correspondence

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Jan 3, 2000

Congressman Corrects His Record on Russia Policy

"Red-Handed Lies" [Nov. 8] stated that I was a "longtime and earnest defender of the Clinton administration's Russia policy." That is incorrect.

Last year, I was a strong opponent of the administration's $17.9 billion appropriation for the International Monetary Fund, which included a $4 billion bailout of Russia. I felt then that financial mechanisms were not in place in Russia to ensure that the monies were properly distributed and monitored. Now, my concerns seemed to have been justified in light of mounting evidence that some of these monies almost immediately were diverted into secret offshore accounts held by Russian government banking officials.

I also have been critical of the administration's attempts to halt the transfer of ballistic-missile technology from Russia to rogue nations. In September, I cosponsored and supported the passage of HR1883, which prohibits the release of $590 million to the Russian government for the International Space Station, unless the president can certify to Congress that no entity under Russia's Space Agency -- the government agency controlling most international trade -- has transferred such missile technology to Iran.

Russia needs our assistance on its wobbly course toward democracy, but our assistance must be conditioned upon concrete reform. A post-Cold War version of "trust but verify" is needed. This administration, unfortunately, continues a policy that is long on trust but short on verification.

Tom Campbell Member of Congress Washington

House Progressive Caucus Is Against the Constitution

It is interesting to note that you chose New York Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler as the opponent of placing the Ten Commandments in public buildings [Symposium, Dec. 6]. Nadler is a member of the Progressive Caucus in the House and as such is a socialist, ergo an enemy of the U.S. Constitution. However, Nadler and others like him, such as California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, will use the Constitution in their behalf when it suits their purposes, as in this case.

It is my opinion that Insight, when quoting members of the Progressive Caucus regarding the Constitution, should point out to your readers this contradiction. Let everybody know them for what they are.

John C. Morrison Windsor, Conn.

United States Needs to Enter the Race for Space Defense

The production of ballistic missiles by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran is pushing the United States into a race for space. North Korea's Aug. 31, 1998, test of a three-stage ballistic missile was an attempt to launch a satellite while demonstrating its ability to attack the United States.

The immediate issue is whether the United States will use the high ground of space for the deployment of a ballistic-missile defense. Only a space-based missile defense will have the advantages of global coyerage, boost phase interception and have multiple opportunities for intercepting a ballistic missile.

One challenge is to use space for deploying a ballistic-missile defense consisting of miniature interceptors using hit-to-kill technology, high-energy lasers and neutral-particle beams. Another challenge is to pursue the economic development of space with a manned lunar base taking advantage of the discovery of water on the moon and orbital space stations dedicated to private commercial, industrial and scientific uses.

We need a new president who will articulate a vision and program for space that will employ its resources for our benefit and defense.

James H. Hughes Parker, Colo.

Write: Insight, Correspondence Editor, 3600 New York Ave. N.E., Washington, DC 20002. E-mail: Insight@wt.infi.net. Fax: (202) 529-2484. Please include an address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for space.