Samantha Smith’s Dream for World Peace

People of good conscience always grieve at the loss of a young person, particularly if the child shows the intelligence, maturity and charm of Samantha Smith. To say “her death was tragic” is an empty understatement. Partly due to being heard by the right people at the right time but mostly due to her own creative curiosity, she won the opportunity to visit the Soviet Union as the guest of Yuri Andropov. She returned from that visit full of a child’s hope for the future, only to meet her premature end in an accident.

How many more American children have that kind of curiosity, love of adventure and concern for peace? Probably more than we think. It is up to us adults to provide opportunity for these children to protect their future. In order that the precious effect of Samantha Smith not be lost, perhaps an effort could be launched in her name to start an exchange program of volunteer school children between the United States, the U.S.S.R. and China. These little good will ambassadors might be the vital ingredient necessary to convince world leaders and populations of the lunacy of war.

Is anyone out there listening? Is there a group of wealthy persons, a foundation, a corporation with money to spend on such a project? If so, please get together and start something good.

ROBERT J. LATHERS

Studio City