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RISKING THE EXTREME
There are people who risk their own life or income, those who undertake risk because it's their job (military pilots, firemen) and those who take part in extreme behavior because it's fun and they like the challenge [ADVENTURE, Sept. 6].
The third category of risk takers ought to be encouraged to switch to less dangerous pursuits unless they are single and have no children, lovers or friends. The often heard statement "It's my life, and I'll do whatever I want with it" simply does not apply to those who do not conform to the above requirements. ALFONSO M. COLLA Rome
WHAT RAPPERS CELEBRATE
S.C. Gwynne's article on the rap singers who moved into an exclusive gated community in Louisiana [AMERICAN SCENE, Aug. 30] has prompted me to write. I work with Johannesburg's street children. I talk to them about their lives and how rap music relates to the young people on the streets. I do not believe that rappers' recordings "celebrate gunfights, misogyny and the crack trade," as Gwynne wrote. They are merely drawing our attention to ghetto life and the ugly truth of it. In the ghetto you have to be tough or die. I know from being with these people that they are just as affectionate and frightened as everybody else. SAFFRON BAGGALLAY Johannesburg
A CHANCE TO BE PRIME MINISTER
Re the turmoil in Russia [WORLD, Aug. 23]: After the fall of communism, the country is gradually heading toward true democracy. But at the rate at which Prime Ministers are being replaced, it looks as if every Russian will be given a chance to hold the office. JOHN JEYARAJ Coonoor, India
THE CLINTON TEAM
Those Clintons are a team! First Bill grants clemency to violent criminals on the condition they won't be violent anymore, thereby guaranteeing Hillary New York's Hispanic vote [NATION, Sept. 13]. Then Hillary denounces hubby's move, posturing as a patriot with feet planted firmly on high moral ground, thus getting the rest of the votes. The wimp Republicans don't stand a chance against these professional con people. JIMMY REED Oxford, Miss.
Beware, New York! A vote for Hillary is a vote for the downfall of the American Empire. Let's put Bill and Hillary behind us and go forward. ED TAKACS Rosedale, Md.
LISTEN TO ROCK
There was a time when I viewed Chris Rock with disgust. I could not find the humor in any of his antics. However, I finally settled down to watch this young genius at work [SHOW BUSINESS, Sept. 13]. He makes me laugh (to the point of hysterics) but also touches on subject matter that is highly political. Only he could have invited anti-affirmative action hero Ward Connerly on his TV show to tell him why we need affirmative action more than ever. When Chris Rock makes a joke, we should all listen. No one today can tell it the way he does! LINDA J. ROBERTSON Oakland, Calif.
THE MEGAPLEX EXPERIENCE