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It has always astonished me how the U.S. (and the rest of the world) looks at economic growth [BUSINESS, July 15] as a magic solution for every problem. People do not see that the more a country grows and consumes, the more it generates waste, pollutes the planet and exhausts the earth's natural resources. Why do economists and politicians think the economy can continuously grow without severe consequences? What the U.S. needs is much better distribution of income, not more affluence. CARLOS GABAGLIA PENNA Rio de Janeiro Via E-mail
HEMINGWAY'S TORMENTED LIFE
I was deeply disappointed in your superficial treatment of Margaux Hemingway's life and death [SHOW BUSINESS, July 15]. Any good psychiatrist would tell you that her cluster of disorders--bulimia, alcoholism, epilepsy and psychosis--are related to the major depressive illnesses that continue to ravage her family and that have caused four suicides in just two generations. Her short, tormented life deserved at least some thoughtful commentary on the crippling psychiatric illnesses that are part of her family tree. NANCY M. KENDALL Auburn, Maine
I am a recovering victim of depression, and Hemingway's story made me realize how difficult it is for those afflicted with this dread illness to persevere and deal with life's pressures. Her long fight must have required incredible strength; others if placed in her shoes might have given up a long time ago. She must have been strong, because she looked for many solutions to her depression. But in the final analysis, Hemingway didn't solve her problems. How does a person faced with depression like hers move on? The most important answer is to have faith in oneself and in others. JAMES S. VACCA Huntington, New York
I question your statement that Hemingway was recently "reduced to taking parts in low-budget pictures, making guest appearances at European conventions" and even (God forbid!) endorsing the Psychic Friends Network. Sounds to me like she was working, something that remains honorable and dignified. ROBERT J. F. PACE Monterey, California Via E-mail
A PILL FOR EVERYTHING
The use of a morning-after drug to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex [HEALTH, July 15] seems to be the new trend for our promiscuous American society. It serves as a green light for those who practice irresponsible sex. Now people can just cruise on down the streets without stopping. The birth-control pill is a much needed savior for those caught up in the fear of pregnancy from a broken condom or for victims of rape. But it should be used in situations in which people had little or no control over pregnancy. Now everyone will be popping the medication like candy, saying, "Don't worry. I'll just take a pill tomorrow." Technology and science come through once again to save us from our recklessness. The more irresponsible we are in our lives, the more we look for quick fixes and excuses. DOUG MOWBRAY Ridge, New Hampshire
If morning-after oral contraceptives are for "emergencies," do you have to call 911 to get them? God forbid that anybody should think about pregnancy the night before! GINA WATKINS Bakersfield, California
EXCAVATING THE PYRAMIDS