Letters, Aug. 20, 1979

Carter’s Call

To the Editors:

When President Carter was addressing the nation on the “crisis of confidence,” no one suspected how drastically he would increase that commodity in less than 100 hours [July 30]. If only he could do the same for energy!

Roy Adams Berrien Springs, Mich.

To those of us who believe Carter is a reasonable, honest, intelligent man, with or without the impressive fist clenching, his method was acceptable. To those earnest members of the blame-Carter-for-everything club, nothing he does is acceptable.

Carol Bachelder Boise, Idaho

One might assume from the cover illustration that Americans have one manner of dress, one national origin, one race and one gender.

Pat Allen Essex Junction, Vt.

The President cannot be faulted for firing public servants who have proved incompetent or out of touch, and the American people will completely vindicate Mr. Carter in 1980, when they fire him on the same grounds.

Robert Massa Lancaster, N.H.

Poor Califano: first the smoke, then the fire. Catherine Hitchcock Prescott, Ariz.

We cannot rally with enthusiasm around a man beseeching help. A President who lists our faults and weaknesses does not inspire us. We need a clarion call: Come on, America! We’ve done it before and we can do it again. We can solve our energy problem. Nothing is impossible for 220 million Americans pulling together. We went to the moon; we shall not let OPEC bring us to our knees! Oh, for a buoyant, confident leader who can make us feel invincible.

Viola Joseph Weiser, Idaho

“Now what?” you ask, as if no one were even attempting to lead this nation. This President can lead, if Congress, the public and especially the press allow it.

David Grim Reston, Va.

Ham-Handed Test

Performance appraisals get some undeserved bad publicity. “If Jimmy Took Ham’s Test” [July 30], he would have got a valuable insight into his own performance, if he had answered the questions for himself, or a valuable insight into the single opinion of another person, if he had been appraised by someone else.

The fault lies not with Jordan’s performance appraisal form, but with his timing and the appearance of heavyhandedness. Bradford Johnston American Management Associations Washington, D.C.

I wonder if the White House would send copies of their new staff evaluation forms on request? It would make a terrific parlor game.

Ruth Rosenfeld Dayton

Farewell, Somoza

Adios, Tacho [July 30]! First it was the Shah who tumbled, then Amin, and now Somoza. Let’s give a big cheer for the people of Iran, Uganda and Nicaragua who showed the world how to fight against these so-called fearless leaders, who now must hide for the rest of their lives.

Daniel J. Sparks Edmonds, Wash.

Let us celebrate the downfall of the

Somoza dynasty and hope the Sandinistas

do not spoil victory with more bloodshed.

Julio Cesar Nunez

New York City

To dismiss the fact that Cuba played a crucial role in Nicaragua’s war is not only foolish but an insult to our intelligence. Regardless of Somoza’s dictatorial regime, such intervention should not have been permitted by the OAS. When this country’s back is against the wall, and we are surrounded by Communists, where will we turn?

Maria D. Junqueira Miami

Are They Really Refugees?

The Indochinese refugee situation must be recognized as Asia’s effort to dump its excess population on Western nations. The people involved are not “political refugees,” but simply masses of poor people bent on improving their lot.

Most governments throughout Asia and the developing world resolutely refuse either to stop their soaring population growth or adopt the kind of free economic model that would generate jobs and wealth. Until they change, the U.S. must refuse to admit a single refugee or provide the countries involved with a penny of aid.

Kenneth C. McAlpin

Cleveland

How would you feel to see your children starving, and have all doors slammed in your face? Isn’t it time that all of us who believe in freedom and human rights stop thinking in terms of color and national boundaries? We should open our arms and hearts to those less fortunate and remember that a time could come when we might be in a similar situation.

Lorna Doyle Bangkok

Wanted Children

I feel compelled to correct Reader Kitty Ruckenback’s claim that “pro-lifers have children, pro-choicers do not” [July 30]. Pro-choicers have wanted children.

Katherine Newman Cedarburg, Wis.

Just think of the clout the Ruckenbacks will have seven generations from now if the eleven brothers and sisters and their progeny each contributes an equal number of offspring to the world’s population pot. All told, 214,358,881 Ruckenbacks would be on hand to express their opinions with their votes.

Gerhard Becker Northfield, Ill.

A Windfall Tax on Housing

As a homeowner, I regret your revealing that house prices have soared from $27,600 in 1972 to $62,900 in May [July 23]. President Carter and Congress may see those figures and slap a “windfall profits” tax on anyone who sells a home. Such a levy would be consistent with the windfall profits tax on oil companies. After all, the homeowner has done nothing to reap that gain—it is a true windfall.

William F. Stoats Baton Rouge, La.

Breezes and Brew

As a veteran windsurfer, I must say that you can windsurf and drink beer [July 30] at the same time. The Beer Slalom in August 1977 on Martha’s Vineyard is the only race I’ve ever won.

Sydney L. McNiff Washington, D.C.