Letters

BEYOND 2000: YOUR BODY, OUR PLANET

Your articles on what awaits us in the next century were incredible and full of useful information [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8]. Although we may live longer, resist baldness, cure innumerable diseases, grow and transplant brains, choose to be obese, eat less meat, reduce waste and not need to have sex to have babies, let's not forget to play. Play is essential for maintaining well-being. This will be especially true if we live longer and healthier lives. We'll need to lighten up and not be self-congratulatory in old age. MARC BEKOFF Professor of Biology University of Colorado Boulder, Colo.

There are many concerns facing us, but this is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments and failures of the past century, sorting out which things can be done and which should not be. Our fate will depend on what we do of our own free will. What can we do to raise the standard of living in the U.S.? And what can we do about human rights, health care, education and a cleaner environment? Genuine change does not come from the government. Real change begins with ourselves. RICHARD D. MCKENNEY Lynn, Mass.

Topics like "Will We Still Need To Have Sex?" grab the reader's attention, but your issue reads like a condensed version of a futuristic science magazine--bereft of heart, soul, news and politics. HARRIET LERNER Topeka, Kans.

You've addressed some of the most demanding problems facing us in the 21st century--particularly in light of Malthus' 18th century theory that population growth will overpower the planet's ability to sustain itself. Scientific inventions and discoveries ameliorate the problem but not enough to prevent global disaster. Widespread demand for food and manufactured products has contaminated our food chain, arable land and water sources, as well as the air we breathe. We must all begin to cope with the results of urban sprawl and help prevent the destruction of Earth's ecological balance and the life of our planet. FAY SMITH Richardson, Texas

DRIVING CELL CARS

In his story "Will We Run Out Of Gas?" [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8], Mark Hertsgaard presented an encouraging future for our prospects of driving more environmentally friendly automobiles. Hybrid gasoline-electric cars with impressive fuel efficiency are already on our doorstep, and his prediction that hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars will be in showrooms by 2004 is even more exciting. It is true that their only exhaust is water vapor. However, Hertsgaard seems reluctant to spoil the party by telling us where the hydrogen comes from. It is certainly not out there floating around in large amounts free for the asking. Fuel-cell-powered autos would make for much more efficient use of the ubiquitous fossil fuels, but propulsion free of dependence on these fuels is still a long way off. G. WILLIAM GOWARD Clinton, Conn.

THE PUDGIER THE BETTER

The public-health community must find a way to pry apart the beauty and disease-control facets of the obesity debate, as raised in the article "Will We Keep Getting Fatter?" [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8]. Actress Camryn Manheim is overweight and lovely. So is my wife. No one wants a nation of size-8 robots. I'd settle for an effective battle against extreme obesity (starting in infancy) and getting everyone into exercising more. That should improve health without terrorizing the merely plump or pinning our hopes on a magic pill. CHRIS FOREMAN Takoma Park, Md.

Manheim hopes that by 2025 we will have evolved into a society in which "all shapes and sizes can be regarded as sexy and beautiful." I hope so too. After all, judging from her photo, Manheim herself is a very sexy and beautiful big woman. I would prefer a woman her size over those billboard waifs anytime. ELLIOTT KEEN Buffalo, N.Y.

A MEATLESS DIET?

Ed Ayres' enlightening article "Will We Still Eat Meat?" [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8], which envisions widespread vegetarianism in the imminent future, is compelling. The consumption of meat, poultry and fish has resulted in dire environmental and health ramifications for all. Vegetarianism is ideal for human dietary fortification, animal liberation and ecological conservation. Our imperiled planet will be the ultimate beneficiary of a humane, meatless diet. BRIEN COMERFORD Glenview, Ill.

As a representative of the U.S. meat and poultry industry, I was both dismayed and insulted by Ayres' doomsday article. Modern agriculture and meat production are among the miraculous accomplishments of the 20th century. Today our livestock and poultry convert feed into nutrient-dense protein with phenomenal and increasing efficiency. Cattle graze on rugged, mountainous lands that can be used for little else. The agriculture and meat industries should be commended for embracing--not avoiding--the science and technology that have enabled Americans to have the most nutritious and wholesome food supply found anywhere. J. PATRICK BOYLE, PRESIDENT AND CEO American Meat Institute Washington

I am glad that someone finally made it known that you need not be vegan to change your eating habits and positively affect the environment. The amount of meat Americans consume is unhealthy. Maybe in the future we will substitute beans, nuts, vegetables and grains for meat. It will be a fine day when you have bean burgers at the family cookout. SARAH GENTILE Amherst, Mass.

THINKING AHEAD

Perhaps tomorrow we'll be able to replace almost every organ in our bodies [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8]. That's great news! I am 75, and I have a lot of organs to fix. Please, scientists, hurry up! I am looking forward to 50 more years. JOSEPH M. COVO Ramat Gan, Israel You raised the question of whether we might live to be 125. Think of the potential dangers. There is no biological reason why living organisms must eventually grow old and die. If not too seriously damaged, our bodies can repair themselves, and our immune systems can fight off most infections and viruses. So why should we eventually die? The reason is simple. If organisms lived indefinitely long, dying only from wounds or disease, the planet would quickly become overpopulated and food would become scarce--endangering the survival of the species. Think about what would happen if man, the most gluttonous species, had an indefinitely long life span. Scary. Even scarier than cloning. MARK H. PITCHER Montreal

Here's a scenario for alternative medicine: the $30 billion Americans spend on unconventional therapies rises exponentially as the Internet rapidly disseminates knowledge of scientific studies demonstrating the real power of vitamins. People begin turning away from conventional medicine in ever increasing numbers. By 2025, most orthodox doctors have either changed profession, retired or re-educated themselves as naturopaths. The emphasis is placed firmly on preventive lifestyle modifications where it belongs. Big vitamin companies become major players in the market and today's giant pharmaceutical companies have disappeared--just like the dinosaurs. NICK BOWLER Kinross, Scotland

The stories about what might happen in the next century reminded me of when I was a kid 25 years ago reading pieces in comics and children's magazines predicting what things would be like in "the year 2000." I can't wait until Jan. 1, when I will get my own ray gun, rocket boots and pills containing whole meals, and take my vacation on Mars. DAVID GRANIEWITZ Jerusalem

This century we have become increasingly concerned about overpopulation and the survivability of the planet. We began to take action to preserve the environment. No one can make predictions about the future with absolute accuracy. But as long as a theory can shed light on some important problems in contemporary times, being totally correct is not so important. YUNG-YI LIN Pingtung, Taiwan

We may find cures for cancer and other diseases, but what about our greatest scourge--man's viciousness toward fellow humans? Will we ever find a cure for the homicidal tendencies reflected in the maiming of helpless youngsters, ethnic killing and mass shootings? BRAJENDRA SINGH New Delhi

Because of the exponential speed with which things change, I've occasionally wondered what the world would be like in the 21st century. You depicted one more alarming than I ever thought. I am not a conventionally religious man, but I balk at the idea of cloning. I have two children, ages 11 and 8. After reading your latest issue, I feel that bringing them into this world might be the cruelest thing I have ever done. I shudder to think what terrors await them. PETER TERRY Kelvin, South Africa

Beyond 2000, the big questions for mankind will not be what to do about garbage, cholesterol and aging. These are "American" and "First World" concerns. The great part of mankind living in underdeveloped areas will still be facing the old problems of hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy and the growing burden of foreign debt. In the last analysis, modern man cannot escape the perennial moral questions of his own existence. Man is tending toward nihilism. In the next millennium, the search for transcendence will be more crucial for man's life than is the search for the key to longevity or a wrinkle-free skin. (THE REV.) LUIS P. SUPAN Manila

LEARNING GARBAGE-FREE WAYS

Re garbage recycling [SPECIAL REPORT, Nov. 8]: I suggest you take a look at the percentage of material that many European countries are managing to recycle. Dilbeek, a commune in the western suburb of Brussels, managed to cut its garbage 70%. In the area where I live, we aim to reduce our garbage to 395 lbs. per person per year; that is 25% of what the average American citizen produces. There is no doubt that goal will be reached pretty soon. EMMANUEL DE BROUX Leignon, Belgium

ENDLESS WAR AGAINST SADDAM

The regular sorties carried out by the U.S. and its allies in the ongoing attempt to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein [WORLD, Nov. 8] only contribute to the miseries of the Iraqi populace. If the U.S. has not been able to replace Fidel Castro in Cuba, why should it think it can overthrow a leader like Saddam, who is liked by the people? No amount of bombing or propaganda will undo things so easily. I want the bombings to stop and all sanctions to be lifted. Allow the Iraqis to lead peaceful lives. Americans should ask Congress to stop funding unnecessary operations like the one in Iraq. The money could be better spent elsewhere. M. SHAKIR KHALEEL Bangalore

COLUMBINE COPYCATS

When I read about the Ohio teens accused of a Columbine-style plot to go on a killing spree at their school [NATION, Nov. 8], I was angry but not surprised. After the massacre of students at Columbine High School, I often cringed at the way the media (including your publication) constantly referred to the political and social beliefs of the two murderers, giving them a national platform. A group of Ohio teens have a social message that they want the world to know about, and so they plan an attack on their school. Where would they get this idea? From video games? Movies? I believe they were inspired by the media's coverage of the Columbine incident and other school shootings, where every aspect of the murderers' lives is reported on TV and in the press, making them heroes to troubled teens. The media should devote more space to teens who are doing good things instead of paying attention to those who do something unimaginably horrible. JOHN SHIPLEY Dunkirk, N.Y.

Just what were the parents and lawyers of the suspects in the Ohio plot thinking when they suggested that "authorities were overreacting to teenage boasting and misunderstandings"? Just where have these folks been for the past few years? Ridiculous! And the shame of it is that the parents and high school personnel paid no attention to the warning signs. If lawyers plan to use overreaction as their argument in the courtroom, I pray that it won't fly. LAVERA PORTER WILLIAMS Sun City, Calif.

SOUTH AFRICAN TERROR

Thank you for the article on the epidemic of rape in South Africa [WORLD, Nov. 1]. I applaud the amazing contributions made by rape survivor Charlene Smith in publicizing her experience in an effort to stop the plague that is infecting my country. Being a young female in South Africa is increasingly terrifying. As many as a third of us will endure one of life's most horrifying experiences, sexual assault. Almost every male is a threat to our well-being. FRANCES SUTHERLAND Pretoria, South Africa

In the 20 years I was a resident in South Africa, I noted that free markets, population control and a "total" culture were often discussed but never implemented. The wave of sex crimes there reflects apartheid's obsession with status. This society is raping itself into psychological death. The pseudo Utopia of sunshiny materialism under waving palms has given way to hell on Earth. JOCK MILLS Basingstoke, England

KINDERGARTEN BURDENS

I found your article on the accelerated rate of teaching reading and math in kindergarten very interesting [EDUCATION, Nov. 8]. I am a parent of a six-year-old kindergartner who has been "redshirted," or held back from starting first grade. I did not make this decision based on theories like that of the early-education consultant who claims that kids need "more time in the classroom." Quite the contrary. I felt that what our young son needed most was more time to play. If what he has ahead of him in later grades is the kind of education tedium that you describe, I wish I could redshirt him until he was 10. JULIE DAMPIER-COOK Linwood, N.J.

Kindergartners are definitely capable of reading and doing simple mathematics. Teaching them these subjects is not asking too much of them. It is merely encouraging them to work to their full ability instead of allowing their minds to stagnate until they have reached what the school system designates as the proper age at which one should learn to read. KATIE RASCHKO, AGE 17 Seattle

I am grateful my children are beyond the reach of policies that replace the joy of learning with the fear of failing. As a teacher, I shudder at what the educrats have wrought for America's youth. BETTY RASKOFF KAZMIN Willard, Ohio

If teaching children to read before age five is wrong, when is the proper time? My parents caught me reading your magazine at age three and entered me in the first grade at age four. My early education gave me many valuable experiences. I speak for myself and other gifted students who were probably bored to death with the regular pace and curriculum of their classrooms. Kids are ready when they are ready, and some teachers will welcome the challenge. DANA HURD Chicago

SHAKING HANDS WITH THE PAST

Lance Morrow in his piece on handshakes, "Pressing the Germy Flesh" [ESSAY, Nov. 8], refers to Donald Trump's well-known aversion to shaking hands. I wonder, Did the Donald learn his obsession with having clean hands from Howard Hughes? Two of a kind! DAVID E. RUSSELL Jacksonville, Fla.

For all its shortcomings, shaking hands represents a true linkage to our past. I am reminded of my grandfather, who was born in 1890. As a small boy, he had the opportunity to shake the hand of a very old gentleman in his hometown who had shaken hands with an elderly man who, as a baby, had touched the hand of George Washington. So, as we enter the 21st century, my son, who shook his great-grandfather's hand on many occasions, has shaken the hand several times removed of a person who touched the hand of our nation's first President. Germy or not, that's a pretty good link through time. ROBERT L. DIERS Houston

GORE'S FEMINIST GURU

One of the things wrong with the Gore campaign is that Gore chose to pay a feminist such as Naomi Wolf $15,000 a month so he can figure out how to act like a man [NATION, Nov. 8]. But the Vice President might really need to cultivate the women's vote, because at this rate he is surely going to lose the men's. GERALD PARTIDA Chino, Calif.

WHO NEEDS PERSONALITY?

Re Eric Pooley's report [REAL POLITICS, Nov. 8] on Al Gore's "groveling for votes" and Bill Bradley's "barely asking": I would ask, Just what is it that journalists want from politicians, anyway? The newshounds tell candidates who seem straitlaced and unemotional that they should loosen up. When the candidates try to connect more, they're seen as begging. For my money, I'd rather see a politician be himself, even if he is boring. We've had enough "personality" in the White House lately. I'd like to see someone who is actually interested in doing the job, not just in winning the office. STEVEN F. GRAVER Columbus, Ga.

A HOPE FOR BETTER TASTE

Joel Stein's article on the new television shows featuring "buxom female action stars" [TELEVISION, Nov. 8] included a chart that rated the programs according to "jiggle factor." My hope for the next millennium: no one will feel that it is appropriate to use the word jiggle to describe female anatomy in a "news" magazine such as TIME. RACHEL DUNIFON Ann Arbor, Mich.

CINDY CRAWFORD FOREVER

I found your report on cosmetic laser surgery very educational [HEALTH, Oct. 11], but such measures will only help delude vain women that they can look like Cindy Crawford forever. OMO OMORODION Lagos