Letters: Jul. 29, 2002

The Fantastic Journey of Lewis and Clark

Your report was the most interesting I’ve ever read on the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark [LEWIS AND CLARK BICENTENNIAL, July 8]. I’m from Murtaugh, Idaho, where as a kid I had to study Idaho history. A big part of what we learned was the travels of Lewis and Clark. I hated it then, but 55 years later I loved reading your articles and being reminded of what I learned way back then. I will try to teach my grandkids from your report. RITA PYMM Sandy, Utah

The legacy of Sacagawea, the Corps of Discovery’s interpreter and guide, should be familiar to many women today. As a Shoshone Indian woman, she was quite literally the only one in a party of 30 men who could ask for directions. DAVID WARREN CAMPBELL Ardmore, Pa.

I remember my days as an explorer. In 1957, when my friend Mandy and I were in seventh grade, we became awestruck adventurers. We climbed mountains of topsoil and building materials provided by the construction of a nearby subdivision, calling from hill to hill, “Lewis!” and “Over here, Clark!” We clambered up our treacherous mountains with feelings of achievement–dirty and tired but pressing on, as explorers do. Mandy and I are in our 50s now, but when our paths cross, we laugh about our days playing Lewis and Clark. The pure freedom and power experienced then have been rare in the years since those journeys! DARLYNE TRAUM STROHMENGER West Seneca, N.Y.

In your cover illustration, the explorers look as though they had just stepped out of a sporting-goods store, as they appear to be beautifully barbered and wear spotless clothing. They have crossed the Great Plains, but is there even a hint of suntan on their cheeks? Where are the stains on their clothes from the smoke, grease and grime from the trail? The dirt, sickness and fatigue of the long trek to the Pacific and back are the true symbols of Lewis and Clark’s incredible achievements. DIANE PRITCHARD Sacramento, Calif.

Today we seem to live vicariously through the adventures of make-believe heroes of Hollywood or create meaningless, self-serving adrenaline-rush activities like bungee jumping. As a creature of comfort, I doubt I would have enjoyed the far simpler times of Lewis and Clark’s reality, 200 years ago. Still, these men were able to embrace an element of discovery and adventure that is sorely lacking in today’s world. WILLIAM NOLAN East Harwich, Mass.

Crisis in Corporate America

The deceptive accounting practices at WorldCom and other companies [BUSINESS, July 8] require action at the highest level of government. But I doubt that the White House, with its ties to Big Business, will act appropriately. People’s trust in corporations will continue to free-fall, as we realize that billions of dollars have been stolen from us, the investors. Now is our chance to make necessary changes. Only the most venal will disagree that corporate domination of national policy has gone on for too long. RON HOCK Fort Bragg, Calif.

The words free market don’t mean people are free to cheat and steal. Let’s bring back some regulatory laws. Until I see serious government action against corporate greed, I’m keeping my money under the mattress. It seems the safest place right now. Yola Zaba New Britain, Conn.

The only difference between street robbery and corporate robbery is the magnitude of the crime. Criminal prosecution must be swiftly pursued, and incarceration must be part of the penalty. Corporate officers might then be deterred from grand larceny. CARL EYBEL Oak Brook, Ill.

Flawed “Left Behind” Theology?

Re your article on the popular series of books on the end of the world [SOCIETY, July 1]: A number of people hold a view directly opposed to that of the Left Behind series’ authors. This ancient and theologically responsible view is called preterism. We believe that all the prophecies given by Jesus Christ and his Apostles were fulfilled at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70. You should have been more balanced and at least informed your readers of the preterist view, which supports the teachings of Jesus Christ. WALT HIBBARD Newark, Del.

I was appalled by what in my view was an advertisement for the nonbiblical, doom-and-gloom Left Behind series. As the author of three published books, I refute the theology of the Left Behind books. Not once did your article mention the major theological disagreements with this series. The main premise of Left Behind followers–that living believers will soon be removed from the world while all others will be “left behind” to suffer unbelievable tribulation–is tragically unbiblical. The Left Behind series is simply 19 centuries off in its timing. The fact is that everything Jesus said would happen occurred exactly as and when he said it would within the lifetime of his contemporaries, and exactly as and when every New Testament, Holy Spirit-led writer expected. Their expectations were correct. My response here is only the tip of the iceberg of why the theology behind the Left Behind series is flawed. For further information, readers can visit our website at www.prophecyrefi.org JOHN NOE, PRESIDENT Prophecy Reformation Institute Indianapolis, Ind.

Echoes of Colonialism

Re Michael Elliott’s Kiplingesque comparison of President Bush with the British imperialists [GLOBAL AGENDA, July 8]: past imperial powers colonized for profit and power. Current nation building by the U.S. is an assertion of power, but for moral rather than profit motives. The call by President Bush for new Palestinian leaders who are not compromised by terror is no different from the Afghans’ insistence that the Taliban not be allowed in their new government. How can we oppose that? ANDREW B. EHRNSTEIN Centennial, Colo.

Two Little Words

A U.S. court has ruled that the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance violates the First Amendment [ESSAY, July 8]. Lance Morrow described the decision as “almost wanton in its cluelessness about the American mood” and delivered at a “ridiculously inappropriate moment.” It is, however, the court’s obligation to give no consideration to the mood of the American people; it is the court’s obligation to find the law. The court is not composed of politicians. The U.S. Constitution requires that the government remain religiously neutral, and that is what the Ninth Circuit affirmed. NATHAN WHITEHORN Palo Alto, Calif.

As a Christian, I am proud that we include “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. They are only two words. People also have the right not to say them. Personally I like being able to show terrorists that we know how to honor God with respect and without violence. MELISSA TERESE WILDS Iowa, La.

May I suggest that the phrase “under God” be changed to “with faith”? These words can be said with sincerity by those with who have faith in some divinity, faith in universal nature, faith in the people of our nation, faith in our Constitution or faith in freedom. PAUL WEST Chicago

Corrections

In Walter Kirn’s introduction to our report on Lewis and Clark [July 8], the quote that began “A hundred years ago” and included the phrase “cold warriors in the forest” was mistakenly attributed to Professor James Ronda of the University of Tulsa. Instead, it was said by Mark Spence, associate professor of history and chair of American studies at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill.

The credit for the photograph of Lewis and Clark’s compass included an error [July 8]. The credit should have read, “National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.” TIME regrets the errors.

Transcendent Musical Appeal

I was tremendously disappointed by your meager three-sentence obituary for Rosemary Clooney [MILESTONES, July 8]. After all, it was TIME that had the foresight to feature the songstress on its cover almost 50 years ago [Feb. 23, 1953]. You recognized her appeal, one that ultimately transcended generations, changes in musical tastes and fickle audiences to make Rosie a fixture on the American popular-music scene for decades. Forget about TV’s first Survivor winner, Richard Hatch: Rosemary Clooney was the original survivor. ROBERT BAROUH New York City