Lech Walesa

Sol Saks states that Lech Walesa is a “communist, a militant unionist, and a sharp critic of his government,” (letter, May 29) and hence an ironic hero for us Americans. His observation is misleading.

Since 1949, the Communist Party has governed Poland. The party is a foreign imposition that does not represent the Polish people. Its legitimacy is based solely upon force. Thus, it is inaccurate to label Walesa a communist.

Walesa is a Pole who is striving to protect the history and religion of his nation. The party, however, is a force that is opposed to nationalistic tendencies that represent a threat to its monopoly of information and power. The American public is justified in calling Walesa a hero.

SALVATORE A. ZOIDA

West Hills