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Sir: If Goldwater hopes to win the election by wooing that portion of our society that seeks to perpetuate white supremacy, if he neglects to condemn openly and forthrightly its bigotry, if he hopes by his silence to encourage its vote, then he may be successful. But he will have sold out his convictions and become President for the most heinous reason in our nation's history.
TIM BLECK
Fairborn, Ohio
Sir: The real truth is that there is no sudden white backlash; it is not new—it has been in existence for more than a hundred years. Goldwater is simply a present-day excuse for opposing equal rights.
A. BAILEY
Pittsburgh
Moon Gazing
Sir: I enjoyed your well-prepared and well-presented article on the recent trip of Ranger VII to the moon [Aug. 7]. Overlooked by many, but not by me, was the speed with which you prepared this story and rushed it into the hands of your readers.
LESTER C. HARLOW
Arlington, Va.
The Long, Hot Summer
Sir: Your article on Harlem [July 31] was more than fine reporting. It was brilliant social commentary and distinguished literature. It points up the awesome enormity of the Negro problem and the need for perseverance, intelligence and decency in working toward its solution.
CHARLES S. JOELSON
Eighth District, N.J.
Congress of the U.S.
Washington, D.C.
Sir: The New York police would have suffered considerably less from thrown bottles, bricks, etc., if they had been provided with wicker shields such as those I have seen used by the Nigerian riot police. These shields are light, and they protect most of the head and body against the usual missiles of an enraged mob. They are also reasonably inexpensive, easy to transport in a hurry to trouble spots, and a good morale booster for harassed policemen.
BRIAN M. BARROW
Houston
Sir: You state that the "numbers game" drains Harlem of $50 million a year. Much of this probably comes out of welfare checks. If the state or city government were to set up a legal numbers game, not only could this $50 million be diverted from the pockets of racketeers, but it could be pumped back into Harlem in the form of improved education, vocational training, recreational facilities and other worthwhile projects designed to build productive, first-class citizens.
RALPH HYDE
Concord, N.H.
Sir: Regarding citizen review boards (to consider civilian complaints of police practices), only four municipalities have established such boards: Philadelphia; York, Pa.; Minneapolis; and Rochester. True, the York and Minneapolis boards petered out before getting off the ground, but the Philadelphia board, established in 1958, is flourishing, and has performed a substantial service to the community.
SPENCER COXE
American Civil Liberties Union
Philadelphia