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William J. Fleischaker Prosecuting Attorney, Jasper County Joplin, Mo.
The continuing argument over the death penalty does not alter the fact that at this moment Americans are predisposed to "fry" felons. A decade ago we were not. The pendulum of revenge will continue to swing.
Hardy F. LeBel Providence, R.I.
I disagree with the Rev. Jerry Falwell's claim that Jesus Christ favored the death penalty. Christ clearly denounces vengeance in Matthew 5:38-39, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Dan Wagner Wynnewood, Pa.
In Genesis 9:6, God is quoted as saying to Noah, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed."
(The Rev.) Robert W. Eckardt Cedar Falls, Iowa
No matter how bloodthirsty, sick or satanic these criminals get, we must not stoop to their level. The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" applies to us too. Nora Berger Rockville, Conn.
Arms and Man
Why is it "preposterous" for the U.S.S.R. to be more interested than the U.S. in controlling nuclear weapons in Western Europe [Jan. 24]? The Soviets face the possible deployment of the Pershing II missile, which can strike into their territory in less than ten minutes. Andropov has sound reasons to bargain seriously for the control of nuclear weapons.
Stephen Wegren Center for Defense Information Washington, D.C.
Negotiations between the U.S. and the Soviets over intermediate-range nuclear missiles are irrelevant. No matter what the outcome, the U.S.S.R. can simply take some of its ICBMS and submarine-based missiles now aimed at us and retarget them at Europe. Unless the talks on intermediate-range missiles are linked to a massive reduction, if not outright elimination, of strategic nuclear missiles, the negotiators are wasting their time.
Paul Bakulski Manchester, Conn.
Nicaraguan Tale
The article "New Regime, Old Methods" [Jan. 24], based on an interview with Roberto Guillén, contains false charges against the Nicaraguan government. My government's open-door policy to visits by international human rights organizations, such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Amnesty International and Pax Christi, is sufficient to counter Guillen's baseless allegations.
Julio Icaza Gallard Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from Nicaragua New York City TIME stands by the validity of Roberto Guillén's story.
Hatchet Job
It is about time someone called attention to the negative interview style [Jan. 17]. It has become chic to put down another writer in order to make oneself look better, which is what James Conaway of the Washington Post did in his interview with Willie Morris.
Michael P. Cawley Oxford, Miss.
You put into precise words my frequent revulsion with the new journalism. A petty piece of writing remains petty whatever label it is given.
Patricia L. Cooper Blacksburg, Va.
Importance of Winning