To the Last Gasp
Sir: I will smoke [Jan. 17] until the day I die. I have smoked for over 45 years. I smoke cigarettes, cigars and a pipe. This is nobody's business but mine. First they wanted to stop people from drinking. That didn't work. Then they wanted to stop people from having babies. That won't work. Now they want to tell people if they can smoke or not. Who are they to tell other people what to do and how to run their lives?
I don't jump out of a window because someone yells fire. I like to see people get all the facts, figures, etc., and then use their own judgment. I don't believe in leading, pushing and needling people.
PETER J. SCHON Flint, Mich.
Sir: Last year I stopped smoking. After six months, I wound up an overweight nervous wreck, suffering from compulsive eating habits, extreme tension, unexplained chest cramps, a sudden rush of gum and teeth problems, and facing a costly replacement in clothing. Two months ago, I resumed smoking and the chest and dental problems promptly vanished, I am losing the excess poundage, eat normally, and most of the tension has departed.
It does seem far more urgent for all agencies concerned to concentrate on making smoking safer rather than wailing endlessly about the smoking hazard being on the loose after the barn doors have been belatedly closed.
DOUGLAS C. CARTER Great Falls, Mont.
Sir:
This week they've scorched our smoking
With frightful compilations.
Oh, experts, when the smoke dies down,
What newer deprivations?
(MRS.) MIKE SLATTERY San Diego
Sir: Now let's go after the whisky and the wild, wild women.
RAYMOND L. PARSONS Tempe, Ariz.
Flags Over Panama
Sir: The bloody incident of the past weekend between my country, the Republic of Panama, and the U.S. [Jan. 17] has been one of shock and surprise to both our countries. We both share a deep sadness for the irreparable loss of our countrymen. All that remains for us to do is pray; pray for our deceased and pray for the re-establishment of a peaceful coexistence between our nations.
RONALDO R. THOMAS Los Angeles
Sir: The new policy for Latin America, which the U.S. Government has initiated with the shooting of defenseless Panamanians during the struggle of flag raising in the Canal Zone, can be entitled "how to make enemies and lose friends." Insecurity, arrogance, selfishness and cynicism were demonstrated by the "Zonians" in their violent action. Instead of leaving the decisions to teenagers, the Canal Zone authorities should have taken the necessary steps to execute the agreement between U.S. and Panamanian governments in relation to flag raising in the Canal Zone territory of the Republic of Panama. It is inconceivable that the greatest nation on earth maintains a Stone Age attitude toward the same country that has contributed so much to the richness and power that the U.S. now has. Panama has not received adequate, up-to-date compensation for the physical and emotional sacrifices it has made during the first part of this century.
HUGO NAVARRO Panama
Sir: With the evidence of the Balboa (Panama Canal Zone) High School flag "razing," I wonder how anyone in the U.S. can now seriously favor giving 18-year-olds the vote.