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I THINK A COLIN POWELL-BOB DOLE ticket would be almost unbeatable. The big problem will be persuading Dole to take the vice-presidential slot. WILLIAM C. BIGGS Amarillo, Texas Via E-mail
NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION GENERAL Powell travels in his search for his next assignment, he has shown that every American can succeed through hard work, dedication and the desire to do so. Powell is an example of what strong family values can mean to a child's character and how these values can carry over to the adult world. We are never too old to find someone who can be an inspiration for continuing to accept the challenges that life throws our way. Thank you, General Powell, for adding light to the dimly lighted road. GREGORY T. DAVIS San Antonio, Texas AOL: Gregory7TD
AMERICANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THE partisan babble that emanates from Washington. While politics is the art of compromise, the starting points don't have to be so far apart and so ideologically driven. A truly moderate, middle-of-the-road candidate from either party would most likely be a landslide victor. Colin Powell may just be that candidate. KEN BLAIR O'Fallon, Illinois AOL: KBlair2258
POWELL'S OWN WORDS REFLECT AN ingrained sense of morality, veracity and purpose. His call for the re-establishment of a sense of values and a clear direction in foreign policy suggests the leadership this country needs. He offers our youth a model of decency and honor that is sorely needed. Powell is correct that "the time may be right for a third major party to emerge to represent" those of us in the ''sensible center" who do not have an identifiable spokesperson. His refusal to pander to the far right or embrace leftist idealism is refreshing. It could propel him to the presidency. I hope he finds the will to run. JIM ZUPANCIC Lake Oswego, Oregon
A TRAGEDY FOR NATIVE AMERICANS
THE REPORT "BURY MY HEART IN COMMITTEE," on proposed cuts in federal funding for Native American services, brought tears to my eyes [SOCIETY, Sept. 18]. Where is our compassion? Forget the government; it obviously doesn't care. What are we Americans doing? Why isn't anyone out there offering the time or a few dollars to fix deteriorating housing and help build shelter for these Native Americans? I myself am guilty. May we all be more compassionate. CHIARA SHAH Hoboken, New Jersey
YOUR PICTURE OF NATIVE AMERICAN children living in a hovel on a Sioux reservation in South Dakota is heartrending. These poor children are forced to live like pigs. It is one thing to live in mean circumstances, but it is another to be denied a modicum of cleanliness. My dog can never be anything but the dog he is, but a human can be whatever he or she wants to be. Native Americans bear the burden of having been dependent for more than 100 years. Those who are reluctant to overhaul the welfare system need only look at what it has done to Native Americans. All welfare recipients will be in the same situation if we do not end this system. BILL O'BRIEN Poway, California