LETTERS: WHERE'S THE PROTEST?

To the editor:

The former Yugoslavia has been an ethnic hotbed of strife for centuries, broken only by the stern Communist rule of Tito. Tito held the fragile hotbed together by dealing ruthlessly with those who would upset the goals of his regime.

Until recently, it seems the Communists have always been able to deal with ethnic strife in a no-nonsense manner. Those who disturbed the peace knew no peace, only an iron fist. There was not thought given to placating, tolerating or considering ethnocentrism.

Into this cauldron that knows only the rule of force President Clinton would cast our young men and women. In a misguided quest for foreign-policy notoriety, he is willing to place our soldiers in a dangerous and untenable position.

Where is the generation of protesters who decried such stupidity a few years ago? It is time to wake up and send our representatives and president a strong message.

TOM GERBER

Cape Girardeau