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Whether a woman terminates her pregnancy at a clinic or by pill form in the privacy of her home, she will be forever changed, forever bonded with a silent group of women who in their own heart made the best decision for themselves. No one really chooses abortion as an alternative to birth control. I was 32 years old and more surprised than my partner that I was pregnant. How much more private it would have been to take a pill than to have had to confront a mob of angry strangers who tried to block my way without ever knowing me or the reasons for my decision. Each year as October approaches, I reflect on a choice that has ultimately ruled my life, both positively and negatively. However, I never waver from the conviction that it was my decision and only mine. NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST Highland, Calif.
Are people actually so stupid as to think they can have unprotected sex without the chance of producing offspring? Maybe they should start taking responsibility for their actions or keep their pants on. JOE P. SMITH Boston
PAX OLYMPICA
The Olympic Games in Sydney were the best ever [THE SUMMER OLYMPICS, Oct. 9]. The Games have always pioneered race relations and social progress. Indeed, women were allowed to participate often long before they were given the right to vote in their home countries. The Summer Games will be held in Athens in 2004. I call on the International Olympic Committee, all countries participating in the Games and all media to join in making the next Summer Olympics a period of truce--free of war, as the Greek founders intended. PHILIPPE ALLEMAN Kontich, Belgium
Next Stop, Athens
I find any talk that perhaps the Olympics should return to Sydney in 2004 instead of Athens [Oct. 9] quite unbelievable! I agree that the Sydney Olympics were spectacular, but the Athens 2004 Olympics will be the most memorable and moving the world has experienced in more than 100 years. Greek people worldwide are very proud of our country as the birthplace of the ancient and modern Olympics. We know that Greece will thrive and match the challenge set by Sydney 2000. MARIANA JOANNOU Durban, South Africa
A Man of Vision
Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau showed leaders like Gorbachev and Castro that they could have relationships with the West [MILESTONES, Oct. 9]. When one thinks of whom Trudeau talked to and when, one realizes that Trudeau probably saved the world from itself. KEN SOMMERFELD Kamloops, B.C.
Where would Canada be today if there had been no Trudeau and the government had more closely aligned its economic policies with those of the U.S.? What if our Prime Minister had had the vision to lead the nation to its appropriate place within the international community? We would not be in the troubled situation we now find ourselves in. CHRIS LEGEYT Calgary, Alta.
Trudeau was a controversial politician, but he was also a great man. He may be the only reason why we can be proud to be Canadians. LINDA KO Port Coquitlam, B.C.