Assuming Washington opts eventually for the latter course, that still leaves the moral dilemma. Jimmy Carter's human rights policy was an attempt to come to grips with this problem. But Carter's rights framework, laudable as it was from a moral perspective, may have shunted political concerns too far aside to be practicable. with drawing all aid from the Salvadoran government--i.e. acting on the human rights ultimatum--would likely lead to the collapse of the present government. Then either the extreme Left would take over or outright anarchy would ensure: neither scenario is in the interests of the Salvadorans, or the United States.

Washington's best bet would be to seek immediately a negotiated, political solution that insures the fair participation of the Left and then to push hard for human rights. A greater degree of political stability will mean fewer deaths. And with an acceptable government in place, Washington should be able to eliminate most of its military aid to EI Salvador and demand respect for basic human dignity at the same time. Only then can the moral decay be arrested.

Some would argue that this prescription differs only semantically from the policy that this Administration is applying. Yet, Washington has failed to see in the Salvadoran Left anything more than an advance party for the evil force of Soviet communism. Few significant efforts at negotiation have been made. And most terrifying of all, more arms and advisors are arriving daily. The greater U.S. military involvement, the harder it will be to compromise and pull out.

MOST OF US have an idealistic side that is disgusted and feels cheated by attempts to rationalize a problem. Watching the death on CBS, or reading Didion's book. I had an urge to scream out, to curse my government for the folly of its policies. But short of revolution, such emotion serves best as the catalyst for thought. When the anger subsides for a while, the mind takes over, you have to ask yourself to what extent each side will compromise, and how far each party can be pushed.

There is no black and white in EI Salvador. The communists aren't evil, as this Administration maintains. Nor are they, on their own,la solucion. as some liberals contend. But our present action in EI Salvador is of a much darker shade of gray than it need be, U.S. guns continue to take too many Salvadoran lives, our military involvement escalates daily and no progress is being made. In short, the momentum still carries everyone in the wrong direction.

With luck, more stumbling blocks in the form of congressional animosity will clutter the Administration's path, forcing it to the pragmatic realization that a change in course is necessary. Salvador seems one such potential trip wire. This little book has just the right mix of passion and reflection to get people angry, and then make them think. That's really all you can ask.