In "The Real Problem With Pakistan" (June 25, 2007 issue of Newsweek), Fareed Zakaria claims that the United States "helped usher in democracy" for the Philippines in the 1980s. This is incorrect. The United States supported our dictator Ferdinand Marcos out of a mutual opposition to communism during the Cold War. This support contributed to the longevity of Marcos' 20-year reign, and prevailed nearly up to the last minute, when American helicopters evacuated Marcos to live out the rest of his days in Hawaii. As it was then and is now, the mission to spread freedom and democracy is only a facade. Like any other nation, America's foremost priority is to protect its own interests.
Michael Gonzalez
Negros Oriental, Philippines
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