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Social Security is truly a farce. After turning 22, I had an accident that left me disabled. Although I applied for every form of Social Security benefit, I was rejected because I had not worked the past five out of twelve years. Really now, how could I when I only reached the legal working age four years ago? After paying into the Social Security program for four years, I learn only that rules are rules, and the poor get poorer.
Torey Stanley
Oneida, Tenn
It's not surprising that the House was willing to raise Social Security taxes: Congressmen are not part of this system.
James D. Ertner
Portsmouth, N.H
Before the younger people start screaming about higher Social Security taxes, let me remind them that there is only one other alternative for most people, and that is to support their own parents in their old age. Then they will have to pass this burden on to their own children. The Social Security generation is the only one in civilization's history that has not had to shoulder this burden.
(Mrs.) Mary Moree Krewson
Stewartstown, Pa.
Put-Downs
Shouldn't the title of your story on fashions [Nov. 7] have been "Put-Ons, Rip-Offs and Un-Dress"? Practical? Luncheons? Meetings? In these clothes?
Somewhere beyond the ruffles and flourishes and the baggy pirate look, there must be real clothes that real people can wear to real places. Fashion? Phooey!
Judi Copek
Deerfield, Ill.
Weren't the see-throughs enough? Now Sonia Rykiel wants us to let it all hang out. Outrageous.
Kathryn W. Barnard
Tacoma, Wash.
Rykiel, Kenzo, et al. design clothing that makes women appear as if they doubt their sexual identity and must bare their breasts to prove to the world that they are women. Either this or it is once again apparent that the designers do not like women and do whatever is necessary to make them look garish and foolish.
(The Rev.) Gabriel B. Baumgardner
Princeton, Ill.
For Fast Relief, Try ...
As one who suffered from migraine headaches [Nov. 7] from early adolescence to his mid-30s, I would say Dr. Brainard's description of the pain is an understatement. Few things helped until I skeptically began the practice of Transcendental Meditation. I have not only not had a single migraine headache, but cannot recall a headache of any kind in the five years since I began TM.
Rafael J. Gonzalez
Oakland, Calif.
Biofeedback works! I transfer all that pain to my hands or even my feet. My hands become very warm and pulsating. No headache, no tension, and no feeling of general weakness afterward.
Renee Seufert
Nashville
To draw the blood away from the head, I take a cold shower or sit in a tub of cold water, taking care that the cold water does not touch my head or neck.
Finding the cause is important. In my case, chocolate and onions are the culprits.
Fritzi Womer
San Diego
After ten years of suffering and trying all the "cures," I went on the Weight Watchers diet and presto, my headaches were less frequent, shorter in duration and mild enough to allow me to go about my life. The old adage "You are what you eat" certainly applies to migraines.
M.E. Graham
Libertyville, Ill.