The American Military Action in Panama

Abraham E. Lowenthal, in his article, “Are There Rules Just for Us?” (Op-Ed, Dec. 22), sums it up: “The Bush Administration can label its military action in Panama ‘Operation Just Cause’ but we must ask ourselves whether any cause, however just, is sufficient to warrant the use of massive military force, unless it is in response to a direct and immediate threat to the nation’s vital security interests. . . .”

And The Times’ editorial of the same day, “Harder to Get Out than Get In,” puts its finger on the weakness of the Bush Administration--lack of vision. Apparently little or no thought was given to what happens after we have invaded.

This action is going to cost many American lives, and hundreds of millions of dollars, and for what? A deposed Noriega? An alternate Panamanian government is not going to make an iota of difference to the influx of drugs to this country; we have weakened, not strengthened the Organization of American States’ peace efforts in the region; we have confirmed our “bully” image in the eyes of the peoples of Latin America. It is questionable that we will leave behind anything but an inadequately governed Panama that for some time we will have to prop up economically and militarily.

GERTRUDE KERN

Camarillo