Kremlin Architect
To the Editors:
Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko's hard line [WORLD, June 25] is a defensive response to the realization that most of the world now sees the Soviets for what they are. Their government denies freedoms to its people and invades its neighbors. If the West can bide its time and avoid a nuclear confrontation, the Soviet government will eventually collapse from its own deadweight.
Doug Wittmer
Topeka, Kans.
As superpowers, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. have the responsibility to set an example for the rest of the world. If these two countries would start cooperating, then most of humanity's problems could be solved. If not, then we have no one to blame but ourselves for the consequences.
Kenneth M. McAuliffe
LaGrange, Ky.
In such grave times, it is surely worth it for Reagan and Chernenko to meet "just to get acquainted." They will inevitably gain some confidence that one of them is not so maniacal as to launch a surprise attack. If and when the missiles fly, the overwhelming chances are that it will be in response to some mistaken warning or miscalculation. As we are taking our last breath, each President will probably be thinking the other started it.
Jim Terr
Las Vegas, N. Mex.
Gromyko is the world's most powerful man. He makes Soviet foreign policy that will determine the earthly destiny of all of us.
James C. Dean
Tallassee, Ala.
If we achieve an accord with the Soviets on arms reduction, how can we possibly trust them? Their closed society will not permit on-site inspection. Even with our most sophisticated satellite photography, there is no way we can ever be sure how many launchers, missiles or warheads are arrayed against us.
Harold Feeney
Commander, U.S.N. (ret.)
Corpus Christi, Texas
Detente never amounted to anything more than U.S. appeasement of the Soviet Union.
David E. Wilke Chicago
The Soviets will show a preference for any major candidate opposing Reagan for President in 1984. They will also let it be known that they will return to arms talks and ameliorate their tough stance toward the U.S. if Reagan is defeated.
John M. Regan San Mateo, Calif.
PG-13 Outcry
I think that the Motion Picture Association of America is right in wanting to create a PG-13 [SHOW BUSINESS, June 25]. I am 15 and was not shaken by the violence in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but three or four years ago, I would not have been able to stand some of the scenes. The age for the new rating should be not 13 but ten or eleven. While the age limit for some R-rated films should be lowered to 15 or 16, all the conflict is unnecessary now. By the time they are twelve, young children are exposed to nudity, violence and foul language because movie channels frequently show R-rated films on TV.
Justin B. Smith
Alexandria, Va.
Jack Valenti asks, "Who is smart enough to say what is permissible for a 13-year-old and not for a twelve-year-old?" The answer is: Those who are smart enough to decide that 16-year-olds can drive and 15-year-olds cannot, that 18-year-olds can vote and 17-year-olds cannot, that 21-year-olds can drink and 20-year-olds cannot.
Christopher Park
Littleton, Colo.
Considering a Woman
The letters in response to the suggestion of a woman as Vice President are wonderful [LETTERS, June 25]. They keep one abreast of current feeling without reducing one to tears of frustration. In my heart I know these are the people I have to deal with in my own struggle as a feminist, but the sexist letters are funny and not painful.
Beatrice Pasternak
New York City
Women are emotional? Tell that to Astronaut Sally Ride. Women lack objectivity? Tell that to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Women are unaware of the exigencies of life? Address that assertion to the millions of American women who are struggling alone to support their families.
Beverly Beaudrot
Atlanta
The extremely sexist and basically childish remarks about the possibility of a woman Vice President were appalling. Sadly, America is only now at the point where we are "considering" a woman.
Rhona Gibson
Littleton, Mass.
Sentimental Swish
The Boston Celtics won the N.B.A. championship [SPORT, June 25]. While it is agreed that the Lakers had the talent in individuals, the Celtics played as a team. The Celtics have a lot of heart, which was somehow misconstrued in Los Angeles and in your article as arrogance. In Boston, it is called "Celtic pride."
James V. Terlizzi III
Ipswich, Mass.
I protest the comment that "no city cheers a white star more enthusiastically than Boston." Boston is proud of all the Celtics. The fans appreciate the talents of many opposing players. Remember the standing ovation for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Maryann Fidler
Norwood, Mass.
I was dismayed to see your writer turn the Celtic triumph into a sentimental lament for what could have been: a youthful and leaping Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an impeccable Magic Johnson.
Hugh R. Brown
Savannah, Ga.
Wanted: Alien Rights
I am a legal alien working in the U.S. [NATION, June 25], paying taxes as any citizen does. On April 151 received labor certification, making me eligible to apply for permanent resident status. However, there is no quota available, and I may not be able to remain. What good is it to be a legal alien? I like this country and am as eager to be here as illegal aliens are. Do I have to be illegal in order to stay?
Yuen-sun Ng
Minneapolis
The U.S should not tolerate illegal aliens from any country. They can only add to crowding, disease and crime. We have always felt it our duty to save the world. It is time to stop baby-sitting and start working on our own problems.
Christopher B. Masure
Sanford, Me.