Homestretch

To the Editors:

We are seeing a love affair blossom between a President and his people [NATION, Oct. 22]. After what we have been through in the past two decades, the change is welcome.

John Edward Brown Elmhurst, Ill.

You're right. It is a real race. After months of campaigning, the Mondale-Ferraro team is being heard. My vote for the Democratic ticket is not only against the Reagan-Bush Administration but against Jerry Falwell. He scares me more than four more years of Reagan.

Thomas N. Tucker Plymouth, Mich.

Mondale has nothing to worry about but the election. Reagan, on the other hand, has to concern himself not only with getting re-elected but with running the country. No wonder he seems tired. Any man who can handle all these problems and still maintain his sense of humor gets my vote.

Gerald S. Kupkowski Cheektowaga, N. Y.

Age is not the reason Reagan lost the first debate. The President does not have the intellectual ability to do any better. Charm is not an adequate substitute for intelligence.

Diana DeSimone Newton, Mass

President Reagan has inflation down from 13% to 4%. He reduced interest rates from 21% to 13%. He snatched Grenada from the jaws of the Communists. Yes, this Democrat will vote for Reagan. Nelson C. Singer Lexington, Ky.

For four years we have lolled in Reagan's charisma, his vague promises and his bromides. Now in the first debate we see him ill at ease when confronted by a man of substance who is willing to face important issues directly rather than fantasize that they will go away.

Arthur J. Curtze State College, Pa.

As an African, I appeal to the American voters to re-elect Reagan. He is the only leader who can check the Soviets.

William Opoo Mainz, West Germany

I have difficulty understanding how we have an economic miracle when we go into debt $679 billion in four years and then borrow more than $500 million each day to pay our bills.

Orville R. Kiehn El Sobrante, Calif.

Bush League

George Bush debased the office of Vice President by describing his participation in the debate with Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro as an exercise in "kicking ass" [NATION, Oct. 22].

Eleanore F. Pichione Toms River, N.J.

Bush's disparaging locker-room comments show an unbelievable lack of dignity. He and his wife, who also made offensive remarks, are supposedly "well bred" and "patrician." But when they talk, they use gutter language.

Evelynn J. Wolf Cheshire, Conn.

The obnoxious remarks about Ferraro made by the Vice President and his wife demonstrate that the couple deserve each other. The country deserves better.

Ann M. Edwards Green Valley, Ariz.

George and Gerry

Geraldine Ferraro was head and shoulders above George Bush in the vice-presidential debate [NATION, Oct. 22]. She was always in control. He came off as agitated, high-strung, faltering and angry when any viewpoint but his was expressed.

Yvette Beron Colonia, N.J.

After watching the debate, I am convinced that the lady from Queens is not qualified to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. She looked like a schoolgirl alongside Bush, a distinguished and experienced statesman.

Joseph W. Dragonetti Philadelphia

The experts proclaim Bush the winner. But your analysis proves otherwise. Why beat around the Bush? Gerry was shrewd, and George was shrill.

Jonathan J. Koehler Kim E. Jensen Chicago

Pit Ferraro against Bush for the presidency, and I could really get excited about this election. For once I would have a choice between two intelligent, articulate and caring candidates.

Kieren Metts Austin

Growing Old

The issue of President Reagan's age [NATION, Oct. 22] was also raised four years ago, yet he has had no trouble meeting the demands placed on him. I do not recall a more energetic President.

Martha Rodes Charlottesville, Va.

You say "Reagan has skipped over the minutiae of governing to articulate a clear vision for America. It can be argued that that is precisely what a President should do." Wrong. That approach to governing is precisely what a figurehead monarch should do. We are not electing a king; we are electing a President.

Mary C. Caulfield Dearborn, Mich.

According to Dr. James Spar, geriatric psychiatrist, Reagan's slow response time "is the kind of forgetfulness that when you reach back for a fact, it isn't there. But 20 minutes later, it comes back to you." Unfortunately, by that time the war is over.

Teresa J. Sandiford Huntington, N. Y.

If wine and cheese improve with age, why not Presidents?

Thomas M. Edwards San Francisco

I am one month younger than President Reagan, and would like the voters to know what it is like to be nearly 74. I teach literature to college students two days a week, and ran a ten-kilometer ski race last winter in less than an hour. I can do a terrific job for three or four hours a day. But I need more naps these days. I remember things that happened years ago but have trouble recalling what I did yesterday. The point of all this is that we need a full-time President in the White House. I know that Reagan cannot give that kind of effort, and so does he.

John S. Holden Carbondale, Colo.

Nobel Czech

How can you call Jaroslav Seifert, the dominant figure in Czechoslovakia's national literature and culture, "obscure" [BOOKS, Oct. 22]? And why is the decision of the Swedish Academy, which awarded him the Nobel Prize for Literature, "mysterious"? Seifert is one of the greatest poets of this century.

Jan Benes Pacific Grove, Calif.

Seifert's determination to pursue his writing is heroic considering the chilling events he has lived through. Unfortunately, his poetry is scarcely better than what you find on greeting cards.

Daniel Smith Seattle

To those who believe that Seifert "seems a rather modest and provincial talent to become so celebrated," I suggest they read him first (they may have to learn Czech) and then form their judgment. Seifert needs time and attention. He deserves the prize.

Tatiana Firkusny New York City

Brighton Bombing

The I.R.A. bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton [WORLD, Oct. 22] makes me aware once again that many of our American citizens are financing this madness in spite of the efforts of the Irish and British governments to stop it. I also criticize our politicians of Irish background who have made no effort to influence these misguided supporters to stop underwriting murder.

Irving C. Sheldon Saunderstown, R.I.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's remark that the Brighton attack "was the work of evil men" makes me wonder what clear thinkers would call 800 years of British oppression in Ireland.

Edward I. Clarke New York City

The I.R.A. considers itself at war. But politicians are not supposed to be involved in the fighting. They send other poor sods to do that. The I.R.A. has shown that politicians can actually come under fire. Shocking though it was, the Brighton bomb will have achieved a good end if, through fear, it forces the British government and Irish politicians to come to terms at last.

Larry Foley Townsville, Australia

Winston and Franklin

I was delighted to see the excellent story on the Churchill-Roosevelt correspondence [BOOKS, Oct. 22]. However, we at Princeton University Press were disappointed that you did not mention that we are the publishers. The three volumes are available for $125 until Dec. 31, after which the price will be $150.

Herbert S. Bailey Jr. Princeton University Press Princeton, N.J.