PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN'S APPEAL FOR AID IN CENTRAL AMERICA

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN'S APPEAL FOR AID IN CENTRAL AMERICA| Produced by WBAI| Recorded on May 9, 1984. - CONTENT: Speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan from the Oval office, requesting aid in Central America. Reagan begins by describing the improved relations with China, whom he deems our "Asian Allies" and seques into an appeal for aid in Central America based on the Soviet threat to the US. Reagan argues that the Soviet leaders are challenging the US with a new type of weapon, "subversion". He also state that the US "does not start wars . . . [but] we help our friends defend themselves." Reagan maintains that aid is needed to resolve the crisis. He details what he calls the "real nature of the Sandanista regime" and quotes JFK in support. (29:41) Mike Barnes, Democratic congressman responds with the Democratic view on the issue. Barnes argues that the Democrats support human rights and US military aid should be conditional based on a countries human rights observance and the rules of law. Barnes also states that US policies should be above board and "overt".