In response to the two letters published in The Nica Times Aug. 27, which came in response to my original letter to the editor published July 30, I would like to say the following:
Thanks to commander Lew Hayes for supplying more details of the “dastardly” attack on the unarmed U.S.S. Liberty by Israeli gunboats and fighter jets.
Your being a close personal friend of Commander William Mc Gonagle makes your information the most credible I’ve heard. Other information came from a “60 Minutes” special.
I would also like the chance to respond to Roy Arguedas’ letter calling me an apologist and defender of President Daniel Ortega for condemning Israel’s recent attack on the unarmed Turkish humanitarian aid ship in international waters with American aid workers among the passengers.
Ortega, in this case, was in agreement with most of the world. It is curious that Israel never allows an independent investigation.
Mr. Arguedas says I come across as a detractor of Israel. But Israel – as every country – earned its reputation by its deeds. And I did say that “Israel has the right to defend itself.” But so does everyone, including Turkish and U.S. ships.
And I also quoted the International Declaration of Human Rights, stating that “All people have the right to resist occupation”.
I believe that everyone includes Jordanians, Lebanese, Israelis, Americans, and even Palestinians. Everyone.
Gene McDonald
Escazú, Costa Rica
