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Our latest in a continuing series of foreign policy blunders— accepting the propaganda "apology" of the North Koreans in exchange for the lives of two U.S. servicemen [Aug. 30]—demonstrates again the "gutless" approach of the Ford-Kissinger regime in dealing with puppet dictatorships.
Our response to this wanton act of cold-blooded murder should have been a squadron of B-52 bombers containing our explosive sentiments delivered personally to Kim II Sung.
Jerome J. Longton Albion, Mich.
Peace will come to Korea only when North and South are united.
The American presence in Korea is supposed to contribute to peace, but it is only temporary. When our troops are withdrawn, a struggle between North and South will determine which dictatorship will govern all of Korea.
The American presence in South Korea is expensive to us and a negative factor to the Koreans, whose destiny is to unify their nation, either by agreement or by war.
We should withdraw and permit the inevitable to occur.
Joseph W. Mosser Washington, D.C.
Worth a Journey
Your article "The Wall Triumphant," describing Berliners as "embittered and demoralized" in their "rundown and dreary" surroundings [Aug. 23], only furthers the myth of a Berlin populated by a handful of manic-depressive refugees clothed in gray sweatshirts. To the 2 million-plus people living freely within the 185 square miles of West Berlin, your comments ring contrary to a firm belief— "Berlin ist eine Reise wert" (Berlin is worth a journey).
David Mark Thomas West Berlin
I just came from West Berlin and let me say that the city is definitely alive and kicking—beyond those six blocks on the "Ku-Damm." Surrounded by walls, barbed wire, mines, armed guards with eager trigger fingers and dogs, the West Berliners deserve a medal for courage and tenacity.
Dale Dalton Sunnyvale, Calif.
No Accounting for Kids
Jerome Miller wants to help juveniles [Aug. 30], but he should consider the needs of society. As a police officer, I am frequently disgusted with the lack of accountability juvenile delinquents are required to show for their actions. Laws without penalties are meaningless.
Robert W. Adams Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Jerome Miller's method may have left Massachusetts with a $600,000 balance of unpaid bills in his wake, yet that 50% reduction in recidivism probably saved the state millions of dollars in terms of taxes it would have spent for institutionalization, etc.
Lawrence A. Hull Tempe, Ariz.
Battle of Bennington
Your article "The Unmaking of a President" [Aug. 30] makes Bennington College sound like a haven for immoral relationships and gossip. Bennington is a fine school. The educational policies have always been progressive, and we hope to keep them that way.
Jennifer Gray Chicago
Re "real" Gail, "mature" Tom and "tutorial" Rush at Bennington: Will they write a position paper differentiating the fine points between moral and immoral adultery?
Barbara A. Litrop Bridgeport, Conn.
Sleepy Scholars