Crackback in Viet Nam
Sir: After reading your cover story on Viet Nam [Aug. 15] I felt almost prepared for the current crisis. But I cannot understand why "Washington officials" were so alarmed at the prospect of the crisis coming to a head before the election. I think that it is fortunate that the voters will now be able to judge Johnson's skill in the art of "big-stick" diplomacy.
TANIA BELDEN
New York City
Sir: If the ultimate American goal in Southeast Asia is to stem the flow of Communism, and if an increased effort on America's part leads to even more aggressiveness by the Chinese-supported Communists, where will it all end? I don't see how a limited supply of men can defeat the almost inexhaustible Chinese supply in a conventional war in China's own backyard.
JAMES JOHNSON
Ottawa
Sir: As a "fellow Amurricun," I am appalled at the President's apparent concept of "judicious restraint" applied this week in the Gulf of Tonkin. If a neighbor's child hits yours, do you cut off your neighbor's hand—and then proudly proclaim your "limited and fitting response" because you didn't kill both parents? I am disappointed that my country has chosen to play the role of the strong young father stomping around the world with a bomb on his shoulder.
DENNIS ANSON
Gainesville, Fla.
Sir: President Johnson has shown that he is truly a man of courage and strength in the action that he has taken in the Viet Nam crisis. This was a well-calculated and wise decision. Bless him for it.
JAMES W. PARKER
Parma Heights, Ohio
Backlash Sting
Sir: The one-paragraph example of extremism by Negro Comedian Ray Scott [July 31] is the most revolting, sadistic thing I have ever read. I'm beginning to understand why there will be a "white backlash" in November.
N. C. NIELSEN
Mankato, Minn.
Sir: Everybody knows that the Negroes hate Goldwater. I suppose King and the other Negro leaders think that after November it will be fine for the riots to begin all over again. They had better wake up, because their idol, President Johnson, just might not make it. In Goldwater we will have a President with all the qualities necessary to make our country safe from Communism and riots!
ROY F. WOOD
Tampa, Fla.
Sir: So far, I have been robbed twice by Negroes, kicked in the head and left in an alley. So far, I am still a brother to the Negro, but offhand I would say that the Negro is pushing too hard.
HOWARD J. WILLIAMS
San Diego
Sir: I used to be in sympathy with those people, but now I believe I will say yes to Goldwater come November.
CHARLES L. CONUS
Hollywood
Sir: Skip the polls for the presidential election. Too many two-faced Americans in the privacy of the voting booth will vote differently from what they indicate to neighbors or to pollsters. It is Goldwater all the way—for there are enough prejudiced Americans to elect him.
A. H. GOLDNER
Southfield, Mich.