(3 of 3)
Once in 1,000 Years
Sir: Your elaborate criticism of Iran's Show of Shows [Oct. 25] was cleverly written, but was it not somewhat debasing? It accentuated the negative. Could there have been any better time or better way to make real to the people of that nation and to the world the many phases in the life of a nation?
Such a celebration need be carried out but once in a thousand years, whereas the money so spent, if appropriated to the relief of poverty would not abolish poverty permanently. It would need to be done over and over every generation.
J. LAUREN NADEN
Atlanta, Ind.
Sir: So the Shah is sensititve to the criticism of his $100 million extravaganza. And well he might be! The indignation felt by the majority of th Iranian citizens is shared by the majority of us working here in the American and European business communities. Particularly by those of us who have delivered technology to the Iranian government on or ahead of schedule, and are still awaiting payment months and years later. To spend $100 million on a celebration when more than that amount is already owing for completed hard works is indeed indicative of that numbing Iranian characteristic: the instinctive preference of pomp to payment.
NORMAN R. BURTON
Managing Director
Page Communications Engineers
Teheran
Exxonerated
Sir: It seems a high price to pay in order to change the name of an oil company to something meaningless [Oct. 25], although I take it that you feel those responsible should be Exxonerated.
L.R. LANE
North Vancouver
Sir: Exxon U.S. doesn't mean anything? The Standard Oil execs might have turned from their computers long enough to ask that of any crossword-puzzle, anagram or Scrabble buff, or one of the millions of word-minded people who might visualize, as I did, a map of our country besmirched by a big X. "Ex on U.S." is the sort of comment likely to find worldwide agreement, if not one your would wish even on a competitor.
JAMES MCMURTRY
Newbury Park, Calif.
Sir: Perhaps the savings Esso has achieved through layoffs are now being used in its $100 million campaign to change the name to Exxon. What a waste!
RONALD COIFMAN
Guayaquil, Ecuador