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T. Thaddeus Hutyra Antwerp, Belgium The Russian tale of woe continues unabated as the war in Chechnya rages on. Should its mighty army quell the uprising at heavy human price, the Russians would be a hated lot in their own backyard. One the other hand, a breakaway Chechnya would set in motion a series of rumblings that would destroy for the second time a great people and a prosperous land. Sadly, it is the bloody uprisings that catch the media's attention, while peaceful protests are side- tracked. Take for example Tibet and Bhutan, where entire populations have been shunted out. These law-abiding refugees just don't seem to matter and get only occasional lip service mentions by the press. Such are our human failings as to make all our ``achievements'' pale into insignificance. We're still the barbarians of cave-age times.
Sush Kocher Calcutta
MEXICO'S FINANCIAL CRISIS
There has undoubtedly been a period of social, political and economic turmoil in Mexico, but the recent events are very far from being catastrophic [Jan. 23]. The country should never again overvalue its currency and create huge trade deficits, leaving it vulnerable to internal and external forces. However, we should never give in to pessimism. The overvaluation of the Mexican peso has been eliminated, and this step will provide badly needed oxygen for Mexican industry. Inflation will go down again, the exchange rate with the dollar will be adjusted, and Mexican shares will climb to their fair value. The prophets of gloom will once more be proved wrong, because the underpinnings of our economy--human, industrial and commercial--are intact. This society has an extraordinary potential for growth.
Gabriel Heffes Mexico City
The degree of innocence and candor (or is it shameless complicity?) that the U.S. government shows in dealing with Mexican problems is unbelievable to those of us who live and work in Mexico. The U.S. seems shortsighted. It should realize that the economic factors of a given moment are not important. As long as the ruling political party is made up of people who are looking out for their own wealth and power and who use a government post as a personal fiefdom, it won't matter how much milk the cow produces. If democracy is the best option for the U.S., it also has to be the best option for its neighbors.
Francisco M. Beltran Nogales, Mexico There is now a universal awareness of Mexico's political and economic drama. Unrestrained plundering and conspicuous political corruption can no longer be the order of the day. But aren't all of us Mexicans sadly united by mounting rage? The former President, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, and our new President, Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon, owe every kind of satisfaction to our country. It is their national duty to face the people and make it clear to Mexicans and the nations of the world why and how this country has fallen into this economic crisis.
Yolanda Peralta Sandoval Mexico City
ALL IN THE NAME OF LOVE
You said Princess Diana is alleged to have dubbed Camilla Parker Bowles ``the Rottweiler'' [Jan. 23]. I take great umbrage at that. The Rottweiler breed is handsome, noble, intelligent, courageous and steadfastly loyal, and these dogs have an inherent desire to protect home and family. Puh-leeze, Diana. Do not bestow the regal title of Rottweiler on Camilla the Cow.