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Here's my idea for reform: take some of our tax dollars and form a pool. Divide it by the number of people running for national office. No other financing would be allowed. Each individual would start out with the same amount, and as the number of candidates decreased, the amount left over would be redistributed. And, by golly, the person who really deserved to win would do so on his merits and his platform. EVE FALCON-KOREMS Manor, Texas
Being Fit Isn't Enough
I would like to make some comments about a letter of mine that you published [LETTERS, March 5] and about your Feb. 5 cover story on how to get healthier. That article referred to a study of which I was the lead author. I never stated in that study that obese and fit men had about the same risk of all-cause deaths as men who were fit and of normal weight. In fact, this study reported that men who were physically fit and overweight (including obese men) had about a 10% increased risk of death from all causes. A 10% higher risk of all-cause death is not insignificant and could account for about 100,000 deaths a year in the U.S. Also, overweight men, even those who are physically fit, still have about a 50% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. MING WEI, M.D., M.P.H. Harrisburg, Pa.
Oscar's Sideshow
The Academy Awards are meant to recognize achievement in film [PEOPLE, April 9]. With an ample number of talented and attractive people in the movie industry to choose from, why include pictures of attendees like Monica Lewinsky and Denise Rich? They're old news--leave them to the tabloids! KAREN KARLS Grand Rapids, Minn.
TV's Larry King is very good at what he does; it has made him a millionaire. But that tongue kiss he gave his wife in the photo you ran was totally uncalled for. There's a time and place for everything; Larry, please show some class! WILLIAM PALMER San Dimas, Calif.