Letters

Sunday, July 21, 2002
    • 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.


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    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.

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