With the world watchlng, Americans have grappled in Florida recently with two contradictory episodes, both involving principles on which this nation was founded. On the one hand, freedom-seeking refugees from Marxist Cuba continued to land, many bereft of earthly possessions except the clothes they wore – but with hopes centered on a new life. Some kissed American soil, vowed they’d work at any task to stay in this country. On the other hand, some impatient residents forgot that the freedom they enjoy also requires responsibility. They bypassed legal recourse and triggered destructive racial riots to protest the acquittal of four white former policemen in the beating death of a black insurance man in Miami. Sixteen persons were killed, hundreds injured and arrested. Entire blocks were bumed. Damage was estimated as high as $100 million. In response, the Justice Department launched a review and a grand jury probe, Undoubtedly orderly process of law would have achieved similar results. Lessons from the riots are obvious: the sickening effects will linger. The Cuban refugee problem will linger also, but let’s hope with positive long-range results. Already it has caused searching debate on immigration policy. These thoughts deserve consideration in the over-all question: – The flow of refugees illustrates that the Statue of Liberty still has meaning. We shouldn’t rush to close the door to freedom to the oppressed, despite short-term inconvenience, – Rules are necessary, of course. President Carter’s plan for U. S. screening of applicants in Cuba should be a must, along with standard stipulations and testing. – No Fidel Castro camouflaging can hide the frenzied desire of thousands to flee Cuba – a testimonial to communist failure which liberty-loving countries in the Westem Hemisphere should not overlook, – America is the focal point – but why not seek, through the OAS, to allocate immigrants to all Latin American Countries, sharing the solution, opportunities, and potential for a nucleus against communism’? – Work force possibilities should not be downplayed. Alien labor has helped achieve historic accomplishments in the past – including building of the Panama Canal and Amrican railroads. There’s still a place for workers who will undertake any. task, regardless of how menial. President Carter’s vacillation on Cuban policy has done little to unify American attitudes. But, in’, the light of developments, it might be appropriate to re-evaluate past policy at this point in history. We must be careful, of course, to keep a steady hand, hold firmly to American principles, and maintain a strong military presence, Discussing Cuban and Caribbean matters in an April speech, Carter struck a responsive chord when he urged an “unselfish relaionship between Americans and the people of that troubled region.” The president called democracy a “vital force in the Caribbean.” I-le’s right, and Americans should encourage that vital force in every practicable way.