John Paul I
To the Editors:
The passing of Pope John Paul I [Oct. 9] was a terrible shock. Many people are going to wonder how God could snatch him away before his time. But in the long run, I believe he did what he was raised up to do and did it well. He showed us what the esse of the papal office is and, underneath, has always been: a simple, loving pastor rather than a crowned autocrat. His example was the vital thing.
(The Rev.) John B. Pahls Jr. Brewster, N. Y.
God does things in many unexplainable ways to remind man of his limits. Maybe this time, heaven can't wait.
Miguel D'Assumpcao Vancouver
Pope John Paul I brought a certain warmth back to Catholicism, a warmth sorely needed for those who have felt alienated from the church.
Richard A. Boyd Cambridge, Mass.
It is shocking that the death of Pope John Paul I was allowed to slide by with no questions asked. No autopsy? I couldn't believe it.
Victor I. Spear, M.D. Rockford. III.
The time has come to elect a Pope physically capable of the office. The election should not be a death sentence.
Donald E. Lawton Burghausen, West Germany
Why not a Vice Pope?
Jane Keckeissen North Caldwell, N.J.
Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish
President Carter's blast against the Public Works Bill as a "pork barrel" appropriation [Oct. 16] was dead wrong.
This legislation is essential if the ranchers and farmers in many states are to have the water they need to survive. Lack of water destroys both crops and livestock. When they're in short supply, food prices skyrocket.
When it comes to fighting inflation, food prices count too. The President seems penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Ed Johnson Omaha
Hurrah for Carter's 6th veto and the support from the Representatives! They are using foresight. Too much of what goes on in Washington is hindsight: investigating actions that have already been committed. This takes time that should be spent on blocking unnecessary expenditures of taxpayers' money.
(Mrs.) Edith J. Dalbey Portland, Ore.
Band-Aids for the Dollar
Your Essay "What to Do About the Dollar" [Oct. 9] pushes selling gold, buying dollars, tight money. These are nothing but currency manipulations. No number of fiscal and monetary Band-Aids will do. Currency, after all, is only a medium of exchange. Stand on a street corner and watch the Toyotas, Mercedes and Volkswagens go by. This country has to produce goods with performance, quality and dependability. Tight money, recession and unemployment are no substitutes for productivity. We've got to rediscover value and go to work.
Carlos Fallon Southport, N.C.
Since imports exceed exports this year, maybe it should be stressed that Americans should purchase American-made products to stabilize and enhance the G.N.P. I disapprove of the way that the President is handling the economy, and as a wage earner I am disgruntled to see where the revenue from my taxes is going. Something must be done, too, to curb inflation.
Robert S. Denchfield Coral Gables, Fla.
Touch of Pathos