Jerusalem
To the Editors:
O Jerusalem! A monument to the world's three great religions—and a reminder that there is nothing so divisive as believers who are convinced that they alone are doing the will of God [April 12].
Orien Vick Granite Falls, Minn.
The skyscrapers that deface the ancient skyline of Jerusalem, the pornography found in its theaters, the garish nightclubs—all are the result of rapid Western industrialization under Israeli rule. Jerusalem must not be treated as just another tourist attraction like New York, Holly wood or the French Riviera. To their credit, the Israelis do protect the religious places. But it is not merely individual shrines that are sacred; the entire city is holy. An internationalized Jerusalem governed by a commission headed by the chief religious leaders of Judaism, Christianity and Islam would spare the city from further secularization.
Robert Goodman New York City
It is ironic that the city in which Christ died to save mankind from its sins is today the center of so much controversy and bloodshed. Your article on Jerusalem makes it clear that talk of bringing Jews and Arabs together so that they can live in peace is wishful thinking. The Israelis are not going to be driven out of Israel, and the Arabs are not going to stop trying to drive them out. I would be very surprised if the world sees Middle East peace in the lifetime of anyone now living. Perhaps the most that can be. hoped for is an agreement in which the two sides would refrain from using armed force.
Frank W. Goheen Camas, Wash.
You state that "not a single nation in the world recognizes the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem." Historically, na tions never acknowledged the owner of Jerusalem. Everyone had a good reason to annex it, attack it, save it, conquer it, bury it. Why can't we stop worrying about who owns the city and be happy with what Jerusalem represents?
Mike Hartzell Atlanta
the Piper
Maybe more people would feel less compelled to cheat on their taxes if the IRS had a different image [April 12]. We see the IRS as the enemy when in fact we are the IRS.
Peggy K. Barr Hardinsburg, Ky.
The excuses made by Hal, Dan, Judith and all other tax evaders are nonsense. These people ought to receive one more benefit from the Federal Government: a trip to a federal penitentiary. Only then will they pay their fair share instead of freeloading on the rest of us.
John G. Blackmon Jr. Atlanta
Incentives to cheat are being publicized almost daily: 1) the tax break our Congressmen gave themselves as a reward for having to live in Washington, 2) the President's "working" vacation in the Caribbean, 3) Nancy's costly staff. Is it any wonder that taxpayers feel no guilt when "making an error" in the amount of interest paid on a home mortgage?
Robert A. Batty Tucson
Rough Times