THE SHAME OF COLOMBIA

To the Editor:

Re "War in Colombia Creates a Nation of Victims" (front page, Sept. 10):

I visited the Nelson Mandela refugee camp last January. Most Americans
cannot imagine the poverty of this community. Many of its residents,
especially children, and others throughout the country suffer from trauma
and hunger as victims of the war in Colombia.

Coverage and photographs like those in your article should galvanize the
humanitarian and antiwar spirit of Americans and help prevent Colombia from
becoming another Vietnam.

FREDERICK J. STREETS
New Haven, Sept. 10, 2000