(2 of 3)
No, they are only insensitive to murderers who want to destroy them. Let the Arabs, with their billions of petrodollars, resettle the "poor" Palestinians where they belong—in the Arab states.
Lee Walzer Glencoe, Ill.
Though the occupation may be, as Israel argues, "as benign as such a military operation can be," it was encouraging to have the article present the other side of the coin—the implications and ramifications of the emotionally debilitating presence of the Israeli occupation troops.
It is about time the Palestinian people are seen as feeling human beings whose homeland and basic rights have been blatantly denied.
Catherine G. Kelly Barium Springs, N. C.
Yes, we Jews are tormented by the past, troubled by the present and fearful of the future. After 2,000 years of persecution, we have every right to these feelings. They were instilled in us by the so-called Western civilization. After reading your biased account, my fears for Jewry and Israel are greater than before.
Al Lewis Sharon, Mass.
My husband, a Palestinian Arab and naturalized American citizen, visited his homeland in 1976, and was subjected to indignities at the hands of the "democratic" state of Israel. Surely there will be no end to the Palestinian resistance without an end to the occupation.
Mrs. Abdulateef Habayeb Wabash, Ind.
Storytelling
Jay O'Callahan has told several of his stories to my students, and to your excellent article on how he has revived the art of storytelling [June 19] I can add only one detail. Jay is the master of his craft. He not only makes storytelling look easy, but he puts his listeners in touch with their own stories within themselves.
Bradford L. Harding
Peirce School
West Newton, Mass.
God's Little Oversight?
Do the Mormons [June 19] really, seriously and conscientiously believe that God, after all these years, finally decided to inform their leader, "Hey, I forgot to tell you something. It's O.K. to have black ministers now."
It's inconceivable, even with the most naive faith, to accept the fact that God sold out the black race until the year 1978. It's far easier to believe that the Mormon creed did just that.
Michael T. Quigley Denver
The Mormon Church never found it easy to deny the priesthood to blacks. The revelation extending this privilege brought joy to the entire church. Such a reaction is hardly that of a group of racists "abandoning racism."
Michael A. Price Rio Dell, Calif.
Insurance
Until a man ran through a yield sign and severely damaged my car, I also held the attitude that insurance companies are apt to penalize the claimants [June 19].
I was amazed, however, at the number of people who advised me to make claims for items beyond restoring my car. Even though I borrowed a car from a relative, I was told I should be paid for the use of another car. I was also told I should put in a claim for my suffering (I was paid for my doctor bills).
The question can legitimately be asked, as with the chicken and the egg: