A New Congress

To the Editors:

A Congress [Jan. 23] with independence, more democratic procedures and faster turnover among its members sounds encouraging. However, I wonder about their making decisions that play well with the folks back home. When we want both increased Government services and decreased taxes, it must be hard to decide how to vote. I hope Congress will provide more leadership. We can't have it both ways, and it's time someone told us.

Betty Noling

Shorewood, Wis.

While the intent of the recent shift of power from the White House to Congress is to improve and democratize our Government, it does not always work out that way. Senators and Congressmen seldom rise above the interests of their constituents, whereas the President is more likely to act in the interest of all the people.

Jacob Weitzer

North Miami Beach

This good story didn't bring tears of sympathy to my eyes. As for Congressmen "being watched more closely, criticized more and prosecuted more," most people would say, "It's about time."

Richard K. Kaminski

Mount Lebanon, Pa.

I find it ironic and pitiable that the Senate majority leader "wouldn't enjoy going away and doing nothing." For I concur with the Roman statesman Cicero, who said, "He does not seem to me to be a free man who does not sometimes do nothing."

Linda J. Zaleski

Pittsburgh

Your comment that I have "far more clout" as ranking minority member on the Senate Human Resources Committee than the committee's chairman, Senator Harrison A. Williams Jr. of New Jersey, is wrong and misleading.

"Pete" Williams is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent, effective and humane legislators on labor and the other major concerns of the committee in Senate history.

He and I have forged a uniquely bipartisan partnership over the years as the committee, under his inspired leadership, has developed bills to better the lot of millions of American working men and women. In every case, Senator Williams has been the principal sponsor.

Jacob K. Javits

U.S. Senator, New York

Washington, D.C.

Violence in the Schools

In "The ABCs of School Violence" [Jan. 23], the writer says: "American parents and educators have yet to figure out a way of making respect for authority and for others part of every student's education." Every teacher will scream at that statement.

Students' education begins at home.

(Mrs.) Charlotte E. Reeder

Clarksville, Md.

The general lack of respect for teachers exists because students know that law requires juveniles to stay in school.

American children should be entitled to free education only if they want it.

Chuck Reeder Narberth, Pa.

How shocking it is that we tend to ignore the rights of teachers and overemphasize the rights of students! Will union contracts begin to demand combat pay? It is not too far off.

Richard Dean Mazer

Pittsburgh

As a junior high school teacher in the Philadelphia school system for the past three years, I have been assaulted four times--three times by parents or older siblings. I have suffered bruised ribs, fingernail lacerations and a mild concussion.

I was disgusted with a dozen futile court appearances, and since I stand only 4 ft. 11 in. and weigh 100 lbs., I decided to take a summer course in karate. Then, when a student tried to gouge out my left eye, she was met by devastating blows to the stomach and head. Even though the student was predictably set free in juvenile court, I doubt she will ever forget her experience.

Mary Ann F. Swift

Philadelphia

The Marston Case

The removal of U.S. Attorney David Marston [Jan. 23] clearly reveals that campaign promises mean very little, even those made by President Carter.

He and Attorney General Bell have crossed the Rubicon as far as Marston is concerned, but the new U.S. Attorney "of merit" in Philadelphia had better follow through on the investigations of local politicians now serving in Congress.

Edward F. Schneider

Philadelphia

The plain fact is that any President has the right to appoint those individuals who will be responsive to his policy orientation. Perhaps the drive to replace various U.S. Attorneys in the country springs from a recognition that other things, like drugs, hard crime and consumer abuse, are as worthy of prosecutorial attention as political corruption.

Ira Weiss

Clairton, Pa.

The Church or the Message?

I find Research Executive Win Arn's thinking that the success of a Billy Graham crusade depends on the number of people who join churches [Jan. 23] ambiguous. I am a convert to Christianity with the help of Graham's preaching and am not a church member. The man does preach the truth, and one who is willing to face the truth will know that.

It is hard to think about church roofs, expensive fixtures, and new parking lots after learning the simplicity and beauty of Jesus Christ and his message.

Jude Herzog Orlando, Fla.

Skiing Woes

After enjoying skiing for 40 years, I was sad to read your story "Abominable Snow Suits" [Jan. 16] about slobs in poor physical shape who clutter ski slopes, with their skis out of control. They are almost ruining this wonderful sport by driving lift prices out of sight by suing ski areas.

It's time a law was established to protect ski areas from responsibility once a skier gets off the lift, and to protect true skiing enthusiasts from those bent on mayhem and litigation.

Richard H. Depew

Pound Ridge, N. Y.

For many native Vermonters like myself, the demise of the ski industry in Vermont would be cause for celebration. Each winter weekend, skiers clog our roads, ignore common traffic law, and anger us with their obnoxious behavior.

The ski tourist industry has a stranglehold on the economy. Regular industry is discouraged. Many like myself have had to move to neighboring states to find decent employment.

Michael B. Frappier West Lebanon, N.H.

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