Question

The United States intervened in Latin American affairs in order to stop the spread of communism. Many people had opinions about the U.S. intervention in Latin America. As a citizen of the United States, you will outline a letter to the editor voicing your opinion about U.S. actions in Chile. In your letter, you should include the following:
A summary of events in Chile
A discussion of arguments for and against U.S. intervention:
What American values or ideals does intervention support?
What American values or ideals does intervention violate?
What might the United States gain by intervening?
What might the United States lose by not intervening?
Your support of or opposition to U.S. actions
Answer:

Answer 1

Dear editor,

I recently heard about the intervention that took place in Chile and of which our country is responsible. I learned that, although Salvador Allende was the legitimate president of Chile, the United States decided to intervene in the country and have him removed. Moreover, the United States orchestrated a coup d'état and assassinated him, placing Augusto Pinochet in his place.

I understand that some people might support intervention because they want to protect the interests of the country abroad. I also understand that the government is interested in halting the spread of communism. However, this argument takes a view that is too simplistic. By organizing such an intervention, the United States is violating the sovereignty of a foreign country. Moreover, it is showing that they do not care about the stability of Chile or the lives of Chileans. The United States is also demonstrating that armed violence is a legitimate way to pursue your interests, and that any country is entitled to intervene in the internal affairs of another one. All of these values are far from the values that the United States is supposed to defend. Therefore, I am completely opposed to the intervention.

Signed,

John Smith