Threatened with induction into the Soviet Army since his graduation from technical school in 1977. Aleksandr has sought draft deferments to avoid landing in a classic catch 22 situation. Exposure to "state secrets" while in the military virtually guarantees a denied exit visa. while those who refuse to serve for that reason are threatened with charges of draft evasion. Such was the predicament of Aleksandr Yakir. who now must serve time for his continued "hope of freedom." Those of us who have known only freedom have a duty to make common cause with those whose freedom is perpetually denied. We must continue to protest against the persecution of Aleksandr Yakir and other "refuseniks." We must continue to express our concern to the Soviet leadership. and to speak for those who are not permitted to speak for themselves.