Foreign affairs not simple

After reading the Oct. 6 letters of Arlie Kellogg and Jim Barbieri, the only thing that came to mind was the word “hogwash.” I am an Independent who spent 30 years in Europe as well as in Africa, where I spent 28 of them. I also served in the Army in World War II and the Air Force during the Korean conflict. It is evident that neither knows beans about dealing with other nations and cultures.

Each one is different. I remember the Belgian who one Sunday morning told me how they worried every time the U.S. rattled its sabers. From the letter’s tone, I would judge that if it was their party in power both would be happy with Mobutu’s 1960s election in the Congo where voters were given two choices, a green card for Mobutu’s party or a red against. No other choice possible. I remember meeting Mobutu and often saw his motorcade pass by.

It is much easier to complain than to provide answers. They complained about Clinton’s time as secretary of state. So did the House but could prove nothing, although it did give them a chance to bloviate and spend gobs of money. It is true that a lie repeated often enough and loud enough becomes accepted as truth by many.

Harvey Polley

Spokane