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TIME should hang its head in shame for the smearing article on Dr. Albert Einstein in its Nov. 22 issue. I feel sure there are millions of Americans who agree with me in objecting to your interpretation of his statement "I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances." A man who so keenly feels his responsibility to mankind is certainly not to be condemned for his desire for more independence . . .
DEBBIE HARCLERODE
Berwyn, Pa.
Sir:
TIME seems to imply that because Dr. Einstein is allowed to criticize the Government, enjoy independence, and (horror of horrors) work with a security risk, he should show his gratitude by not denouncing something which he thinks is wrong. Just what does freedom mean?
CURTIS COLBY
Honolulu, T.H.
Sir:
Your accurate summation of Professor Albert Einstein is to be applauded . . . Having escaped the horrors of Naziism, he received in our country not only asylum but honor and privilege, yet he has repeatedly shown a hostility to America that is galling. A year ago he advised a certain individual not to give any information to one of our congressional investigating committees. The professor must think that if one dare not shout "fire" in a crowded auditorium, he is being deprived of the privilege of free speech. When you say he is a great scientist, still does not understand his responsibility of freedom, it proves that there are other avenues of life and human conduct not covered by science.
DANIEL B. HART
Pittsburgh
Sir:
Professor Einstein was and is a hero of mine. Thirty years ago his lofty character and guileless manner seemed no denial of the deepest insight into human as well as cosmic affairs. Then ... I realized he was not just greatly simple, but naive and biased . . . I have also met mathematical physicists without Einstein's outward simplicity&#amp;151;men of ruthless objectivity in their field—who somehow lacked the experience or will to make even a less than profound analysis of world events. Thus, I reluctantly admit there are scientists whose great accomplishments have given some of their views an undeserved weight in public matters . . . What kind of "rugged Americanism" is it which judges any man's rationality on any subject by the label he happens to wear?
HERBERT O. ALBRECHT
Springfield, Pa.
Lament's Lament
Sir:
Mr. Corliss Lament's macabre ritual [TIME, Nov. 22] is fine for a dead dog but hardly befits a human being who has an immortal soul. If even atheists "have a hankering for music and a few well chosen words," it is not unthinkable that in the terrible moment of suspension between life and death, they might also have a hankering for a Reality that is wider than music and higher than Santayana's quiet despair. It would be an injustice . . . to force upon them the inhumanity of "A Humanist Funeral Service." They will get a much more sympathetic treatment from a Christian friend who will mumble a requiescat in pace over their bones.
(THE REV.) FRED J. CARDINAL
St. Patrick's (Roman Catholic) Church
Lagro, Ind.
Sir: