In a recent letter (“Nicaragua is on the upswing,” Jan. 20), Marilyn Carlisle defends Nicaragua against being described “as if it were a fiefdom.” As evidence, she cites recent improvements in Nicaragua’s health system, infrastructure and overall economy. However, Ms. Carlisle ignores the oppressive character of Nicaragua’s government. Under President Daniel Ortega, the government has placed severe restrictions on fundamental civil liberties, including the freedoms of expression and association, and has employed violence, imprisonment and torture to silence its critics.
Merriam-Webster defines a fiefdom as, “an area over which someone exercises control as or in the manner of a feudal lord.” If “fiefdom” is an inaccurate descriptor for Nicaragua, it is only because the word fails to adequately convey the brutality that Ortega regime uses to secure its control of the country.
— Bradford Sharpless, Reisterstown
Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.