‘Israel: Economic Ward of U.S.’

I’m not against aid to Israel or any other country if it makes sense. I feel that $1,000 a year for every man, woman and child in Israel is, under the conditions described in the article, insane. It is one of the evils George Washington referred to in his farewell address: “A passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.”

Other evils could be our shameful reactions to:

1. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

2. The massacres of Sabra and Shatila refugee camps.

3. The Pollard spy incident.

4. The Israeli role in the Iran arms sale.

5. Israel’s gross human rights violations of Arabs under its rule and control.

6. Israeli discrimination and inhumane treatment of select American citizens--namely, Arab and black Americans.

Former Secretary of State Dean Rusk’s feelings that the U.S. is often compromised by Israeli actions that Washington disapproved, are certainly justified. His characterization: “They--the Israelis--prefer to take their chances on going their own way and expecting Jewish support in this country to force the United States to go along” is not only accurate but frightening as well.

I believe it is high time the American people examine this unusual situation and evaluate it on a cost/benefit basis.

SAMI M. ODEH

Orange