The Hard Row
Sir:
Mr. Koerner's covers are terrific! Few artists can convey that much sensitivity and personality with so few dabs of oil.
Your cover story [April 5] can be no more than just a caption to that wonderful portrait. The story is there, in Koerner's cover.
J. D. KIMMINS Atlanta
Sir:
The Government should offer to sell each farmer as much grain as would normally be grown in one year, at a price slightly less than it would cost the farmer to grow it. The farmer would take a one-year vacation. The Government, instead of spending money, would get some of it back. Storage costs would be eliminated. The taxpayer would get some relief.
Are there any other problems that need solving, Mr. Freeman ?
CARL E. SCHULTZ
St. Joseph, Mich.
Sir:
Why can't farmers operate under the law of supply and demand like other Americans?
SHARON SCHMIDT Madison, Wis.
Sir:
As I have seen many people die of starvation, and as I myself have felt the pangs of hunger on several occasions during the last World War, I pray the Lord that this great country, which is offering me hospitality, may forever be faced with the "dismal prospect" [of the biggest harvest in history! with which Mr. Freeman has to deal at present.
M. FEZ AS New York City
Sir:
The remark, "Farming has little appeal for young men nowadays," made my blood boil. What's wrong with farming? Where else can you be your own boss without punching a time clock? And why do people insist on cracking those corn-fed jokes about the "dumb" farmer and his wife?
Today's farmer is no dummy. He has a high school or college education. He knows how to dress and entertain. He keeps up with modern methods. He's dedicated to his job and proud of it.
And what's more, I'd like to see you city people manage a fulltime operation all by yourself, all on your own capital, and try to make it a profitable enterprise.
CAROL KAY SUEDMEYER Okawville, Ill.
Paying the Tab
Sir:
Regarding the ransom paid to Castro for the Bay of Pigs fiasco, should not the label have been "In the Red" rather than "In the Black" [March 29]?
Some weeks ago, your magazine reported that the drug firms were donating drugs. Now you report that profits from the donations are being turned over to charity. Is it not true that the ransom is being paid by taxpayers? Why deceive the public by giving the impression that drug firms are generous, kind-hearted corporations? The simple fact is that we are paying the ransom, although most of us do not know it and some of us do not like it.
PAUL E. SPAYDE Lakewood, Ohio
Sir:
Hooray for Bobby ! Business in the black, U.S. Treasury in the red, and J.F.K. off the hook. Diverting Treasury funds is now constitutional.
DOUG SMITH
Sterling, Kans. Calling AC3PT
Sir:
Crown Prince Namgyal of Sikkim [March 29] is an amateur radio operator using the call letters AC3PT. To the thousands of us "hams" who have talked to him or have heard him on the air, reading about his wedding to Hope Cooke was indeed a thrill. SUE PIERCE
K55BN Cut Off, La.