In defense of foreign aid

In response to the editorial "Help for the USSR's Successor," Dec. 12: The time has arrived for the US to abandon its phobia of "Russians," which is an incorrect way to refer to the Soviet people.With the transformation of the Soviet Union in mind, our attention should at this point be directed toward the needs of the people of the region and not just at our apprehension over their government's future direction. Without the food, shelter, incomes, and other necessities for living, the citizens of the USSR's successor are helpless. The US should assist them in recovering from their current situation and use its influence to stabilize the region if it is to maintain leverage in an unquestionably important area. Todd Young, Windsor, Conn.

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