Morality in Politics
Sir:
. . On the one hand, we have "Secretary Dulles as the champion of a moral order in politics" [TIME, Sept. 28] ; on the other, we have the British, "soaked in the politics of expediency . . . working behind the scenes trying to unseat" this noble figure . . . Should we laugh at this picture of our Machiavellian activities or cry, knowing that for the aggressors every war has been undertaken as a moral crusade? . . . If I knew I were to be the victim of aggression, I would prefer that my aggressor was prompted by honest-to-goodness motives of rape and plunder . . .
J. M. RAMPTON Ipswich, England
Sir:
I found "The Law Beyond" stimulating and near great . . .
You've emphasized the conflict . . . between those who believe in a moral law and those who do not . . . Good! Now let us go from here and resolve and eliminate the conflict. This, rather than "winning" [it], takes courage. The winner of a conflict is really only proving he is the stronger . . . The only real progress in mankind and greatness of men will be to fight to discover what is right rather than fight for what "is" right . . .
SAMUEL ROSEN Chicago
Sir:
. . . The Dulles and U.S. policy has always been the military solution. To parade our military might all over the world—into backward countries where we have no business ; spray our brother with jellied gasoline and set him on fire; burn his women and children with atomic fire. Christianity?—These are the works of Hell . . .
Go ahead and annihilate each other; maybe the meek will finally get their chance to inherit the earth.
A. B. BILLING San Diego
Sir:
The East is supposed to represent spiritual civilization, and the West, a materialistic one . . . It is very humiliating for an Oriental like myself to read that John Foster Dulles of materialistic America is championing the cause of moral and spiritual principles, whereas Jawaharlal Nehru of spiritual India is advocating the adoption of political expedience in the realm of international politics. Can it be that India has degenerated spiritually so low as to copy the Machiavellian practices of the Western nations? . . . No one can be too proud of the role that Nehru has played in the struggle between Democracy and Communism . . .
NO-YONG PARK
Oceanside, Calif.
Shining Ruby
Sir:
For many years now I have enjoyed reading your excellent weekly. This week we even enjoyed looking at it. Your print of James Chapin's Ruby Green Singing (Sept. 28) is deeply moving.
J. DANIELS
Byron, Ont.
Sir:
James Chapin's portrait of Ruby Green as a young girl, with its shining innocence and hope, is exquisite . . .
It would be interesting to see what changes a quarter of a century has brought to the lovely Ruby . . .
MARK MICHAELS San Francisco
Sir:
I have just turned to Ruby Green Singing.
However dramatic it may sound, I cannot turn the page.
The expression in the arm, hands, the optimistic happiness in the eyes and the tilt of the head stop me, and I sit looking and looking. It is like simple, peaceful, spiritual music . . .
MRS. RICHARD V. EDDS Los Angeles
¶ Herewith Ruby, Oct. 5, 1953.—ED.
Diplomatic Ostriches