The End of the Nose?
Sir: In the cover story on De Gaulle [May 31], you failed to adequately distinguish between the average Frenchman's acceptance of De Gaulle's policies (e.g., decolonization and national independence) and his corresponding rejection of De Gaulle's archaic governing methods (e.g., suppression of government criticism). Le Nez est fini because the French people desire an end to his particular liberté, égalité, sénilité.
DAVID B. FUNDERBURK
Professor of History
Wingate College
Wingate, N.C.
Sir: Your excellent article ended with the open question "Can De Gaulle once again save France—this time from himself?" I sincerely believe he cannot, because the general has kept the reins of government too tight for the French people. They have no more respect for him, only disappointment and bitterness. This has led to hatred and anarchy, which cannot be stopped any more because it has gone too far. He did very much for France and for the world but he made one big mistake: he always thought of France, never of the French people.
ROGER DE BORGER
Antwerp, Belgium
Sir: Your cover portrait of De Gaulle is quite brilliant. All the disdain, pride, arrogance, intelligence and worry is perfectly portrayed.
EDMOND ORR
Dungannon, Northern Ireland
Of Beards & Mortarboards
Sir: I believe you have presented in one picture [June 7] the most eloquent portrayal of the U.S. today and the evolution of its citizenry. The big question: Which will win out—the robe of status quo, or the spirited cry for reappraisal evident in the beard, turtleneck, medallion and look of challenge on our graduate's face?
WILLIAM C. KEEN
San Francisco
Sir: Great and revolutionary things are coming about in America today prompted by youth's impatience, but nonetheless implemented by mature men who have something going for them—life experience. But the tender balance can be destroyed by even a noisy minority, whose credo is destruction for kicks rather than maturity gained through the creation of a family and doing one's "thing" for the betterment of society as a whole.
BETTY GRIMSHAW
Oswego, Ill.
Sir: You say: "The tone of these youthful voices—strident and self-confident, proud and often contemptuous—naturally grates on the ears of their elders.'' Not this elder. These courageous young men and women are in existential revolt against the WASP suburbanite society, whether its members style themselves "liberal," "conservative," or "moderate" (a blue-ribbon porker is still a pig). Gustave Flaubert put it this way: "Hatred of the bourgeois is the beginning of all virtue " Can you dig it? The kids can. I affirm their stand.
PAUL KALIN
Hollywood, Calif.
Sir: The question is raised as to whether or not anyone under 30 can be trusted. Perhaps the person to ask is General Hershey. He seems to trust the youth of America enough to have them defend the fortresses of democracy and the American way around the globe.