Jerusalem

To the Editors:

O Jerusalem! A monument to the world's three great religions--and a reminder that there is nothing so divisive as believers who are convinced that they alone are doing the will of God [April 12].

Orien Vick Granite Falls, Minn.

The skyscrapers that deface the ancient skyline of Jerusalem, the pornography found in its theaters, the garish nightclubs--all are the result of rapid Western industrialization under Israeli rule. Jerusalem must not be treated as just another tourist attraction like New York, Holly wood or the French Riviera. To their credit, the Israelis do protect the religious places. But it is not merely individual shrines that are sacred; the entire city is holy. An internationalized Jerusalem governed by a commission headed by the chief religious leaders of Judaism, Christianity and Islam would spare the city from further secularization.

Robert Goodman New York City

It is ironic that the city in which Christ died to save mankind from its sins is today the center of so much controversy and bloodshed. Your article on Jerusalem makes it clear that talk of bringing Jews and Arabs together so that they can live in peace is wishful thinking. The Israelis are not going to be driven out of Israel, and the Arabs are not going to stop trying to drive them out. I would be very surprised if the world sees Middle East peace in the lifetime of anyone now living. Perhaps the most that can be. hoped for is an agreement in which the two sides would refrain from using armed force.

Frank W. Goheen Camas, Wash.

You state that "not a single nation in the world recognizes the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem." Historically, na tions never acknowledged the owner of Jerusalem. Everyone had a good reason to annex it, attack it, save it, conquer it, bury it. Why can't we stop worrying about who owns the city and be happy with what Jerusalem represents?

Mike Hartzell Atlanta

the Piper

Maybe more people would feel less compelled to cheat on their taxes if the IRS had a different image [April 12]. We see the IRS as the enemy when in fact we are the IRS.

Peggy K. Barr Hardinsburg, Ky.

The excuses made by Hal, Dan, Judith and all other tax evaders are nonsense. These people ought to receive one more benefit from the Federal Government: a trip to a federal penitentiary. Only then will they pay their fair share instead of freeloading on the rest of us.

John G. Blackmon Jr. Atlanta

Incentives to cheat are being publicized almost daily: 1) the tax break our Congressmen gave themselves as a reward for having to live in Washington, 2) the President's "working" vacation in the Caribbean, 3) Nancy's costly staff. Is it any wonder that taxpayers feel no guilt when "making an error" in the amount of interest paid on a home mortgage?

Robert A. Batty Tucson

Rough Times

As a child growing up on a wheat farm in Kansas, I can remember my folks praying for rain. Still, I was appalled to read that the only option left to the American farmer this year is to pray for plagues and bad weather in the rest of the world [April 12]. Something is wrong if the success of American agriculture depends upon the misfortune of farmers in Bangladesh, Africa or even the Soviet Union.

Billie Ann Lopez Vienna

Knoxville's Fair

In light of the widespread evictions of residents in Knoxville, Tenn., by landlords who hope to rent for more money to out-of-towners, I have decided to forgo the World's Fair [April 12]. The profiteers of that city are acting like sharks in a feeding frenzy. If that's how they behave toward their own people, I can imagine how they'll be with tourists.

E. Paul Huisking Jr. Tuxedo, N.C.

TIME seemed more than a little disdainful of the fact that the business leaders of Knoxville hope to profit from the

World's Fair. For what other reason would they support it? What happened to the good old days when the pursuit of an honest buck was considered one of the things that made this country great?

William L. Brown Concord, Tenn.

Unjust Justice

It's a sad commentary on our nation when the U.S. Justice Department feels it has to protect criminals like Miguel Nassar Haro [April 12]. Justice indeed! Nassar and his gang stole 600 cars in Southern California between 1979 and 1981. Yet the Government blocks his prosecution because he has supplied the U.S. with important information about Salvadoran and Guatemalan guerrilla figures. It is ridiculous to waste the fine efforts of a good man like U.S. Attorney William Kennedy, who wanted to indict Nassar.

Bruce Howard Watertown, N. Y.

Basketball at Its Best

Seldom has such a fine sports piece been written as your "Pretty Night in New Orleans" [April 12]. The play, the officiating, the mutual sportsmanship were things a sports fan appreciates.

Robert H. Ewing II Phoenix

Some men are destined to be great

scholars; others great sportsmen. Why are

college basketball players, and Patrick

Ewing in particular, expected to be both?

CarlF. Walser Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Courting Friends

The best present TIME could make to its Italian readers [March 29] was the fair recognition paid to the new image and fresh influence of our country on the international scene.

Giovanni Boschi Alessandria, Italy

Your article about Italy's new image and stature was interesting but not realistic. It is difficult to believe that Italy, with all its internal problems, can have either a leading position or substantial influence. If we can, our neighbors must be in very bad shape. As the U.S. comes to realize the amount of influence it has lost, particularly in Europe, it has decided to flatter its friends. Italy, which since World War II has been an American satellite, appears to be at the head of the list.

Prince Lorenzo de' Medici Milan

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