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Sir / I was one of those fortunate enough to gain my freedom from the "socialist paradise" beyond the wall. In 1969 I left behind a life full of fear, oppression and shades of gray, convinced that freedom was worth any price. Your article on East Germany [Oct. 1] served to strengthen my deep gratitude and appreciation for freedom.
HELFRIED FLACKE
Wiesbaden, West Germany
Sir / I am one of the lucky 2,700,000 from Leipzig who got out before the wall was built. But still I am very proud of these humble, hard-working people who are making the best of the colorless, dreary life in which they are condemned to live. If I were still living in East Germany today, I probably would be trying, with typical German efficiency and persistence, to make the system work, even if I hated it.
MARIA TUERK
East Detroit, Mich.