Glossary for Latin America
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As a public service for those confused over President Reagan’s statements regarding our involvement in Central America, here is a glossary that should help clear things up:
“Covert aid”-- Secret U.S. military aid to the contras in Nicaragua; only the President and a few million of his closest friends know about it.
“Terrorists”-- Rebel soldiers who attempt to overthrow governments we support.
“Freedom Fighters”-- Rebel soldiers who attempt to overthrow governments we don’t like.
“Satellites”-- Countries dependent on the Soviet Union.
“Free Nations”-- Countries dependent on the United States.
“Brutal dictatorships”-- Repressive governments unfriendly to us.
“Democracies”-- Repressive governments friendly to us.
“Our American Revolution”-- A fight for freedom, as in 1776.
“Latin American Revolution”-- A dangerous threat to political stability.
“Political stability”-- The status quo of poverty, corruption, and social and economic inequality.
ARLEN GROSSMAN
Los Angeles
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