United States not all that democratic?

In regards to Johnathon Perle's viewpoint of Oct. 24 ("Defending the US invasion"), the viewpoint criticizes Professor Dale Bryan's arguments as advancing "fatuous" and simplistic rationales for avoiding a war with Iraq. If Mr. Perle has such an aversion to what he deems as foolish claims, perhaps he should reexamine his entire viewpoint.

Arguing that the United Nations only addresses issues "no one cares about" shows a complete lack of concern for, and understanding of, the world's ills. The viewpoint would like people to believe that no one "cares about" human rights, third world hunger or the environment, issues the United Nations addresses every day.

Additionally, the claim that United States restored democracy to Nicaragua is an uninformed assertion. Let's keep in mind who Gen. Noriega worked for in the first place _ the CIA. In fact, the United States has invariably inhibited democratic movements in Latin America (Guatemala in the 1950s, Chile in the 1970s, to name just two of the many examples).

At least Mr. Perle, based on his viewpoint, is in good company with his "fatuous" arguments in favor of an invasion of Iraq; President Bush would certainly agree with him.

_ Adam Mueller LA '04