Carter and China

To the Editors: I applaud President Carter's historic decision finally to recognize the People's Republic of China [Dec. 25]. It is about time we joined the rest of the world in the acceptance of what has become a political fact. Neil H. Butterklee Stony Brook, N. Y.

President Carter does not speak for all the American people, at least not for me. I'm going to "dance with the guy wat brung me"--Taiwan. Virginia B. Hooko Seattle

Now we have our American Chamberlain. Only the umbrella was missing. Philip L. Walsh Kingston, R.I.

Why is Senator Goldwater so upset about our abandonment of Taiwan? Forgive my cynicism, but when has the sanctity of U.S. treaties prevailed over pragmatic considerations? Ask any Indian. Coleman S. Williams Saugatuck, Conn.

The knee-jerk hysterical reaction of conservatives reveals the narrow scope of their vision. Carter's recognition of the legitimacy of almost one-quarter of mankind has been roundly applauded by our allies. This act of statesmanship, which enhances the prospects of peace, is somewhat above the line of sight of ostriches. Jerry Fenney Windsor, Va.

Dumping Israel?

You attack Israel for refusing to give in to absurd new Egyptian proposals that fly directly in the face of the Camp David agreements [Dec. 25]. But if Taiwan can be abruptly dumped by the U.S. after a friendly relationship that has flourished for almost 30 years, is it any surprise that Israel is hesitant to accept Sadat's two-faced assurances of good intent after 30 years of war? Jeffrey Lipsitz Toronto

The Oliphant cartoon of Begin's Inn appears to equate Israeli Premier Begin's negotiating position with the biblical denial to Mary and Joseph of room at the inn. This continuation of the anti-Semitic cartooning that has been among us for a thousand years is an affront to us all. Begin's position is clearly not antiChristian. He is doing what he thinks best for the people of Israel in his negotiations with the Arabs. Jack R. Bershad Philadelphia

The Nobel Peace Prize that Premier Begin so eagerly rushed to accept has turned to Silly Putty in his hands. He's impossible to love, difficult to admire. Tom De Moss Eugene, Ore.

Israel is ready to give up land, military bases and oilfields in the Sinai. In return, she gets peace. Maybe. If, after Israeli withdrawal, there is no progress on other fronts, the peace treaty would be nullified. It would be absurd for Israel to agree to this. MaIke Wartelsky New York City

Muppet Mania

John Skow's article on the Muppets [Dec. 25] was the most delightful, touching and refreshing story I've read in years. You missed a golden opportunity, however. A centerfold of Miss Piggy would have made the issue a collectors' item. Frank Bachenheimer Glenview, III.

Kermit the Frog should be our Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. Then he can spread his good cheer to one more part of this troubled world. Richard C. O'Donnell Cincinnati

Thanks for telling me I'm not the only adult who ignores everything else to watch The Muppet Show. J.S. Price Arlington Heights,Ill.

U.P.I. Abroad

TIME's survey of attempts by some Third World governments to control news [Nov. 20] contains a historic misunderstanding. In referring to the autobiography of former Associated Press General Manager Kent Cooper, it was stated that a cartel of European news agencies controlled "all the news that flowed into and out of the U.S. until well into the 1930s." In fact, United Press International (then United Press) began serving overseas clients in 1909, and by 1929 its service was going to 1,170 newspapers in 45 overseas countries and territories. It covered the world for its U.S. subscribers with its own correspondents and was completely independent of the world news cartel with which A.P. was then associated. Frank Tremaine Senior Vice President United Press International New York City

Inflationary '70's

It defies belief that Frank Trippett could write a full page on the '70s without one word about inflation [Dec. 251. If there is anything future generations will recall about this decade, it will be the disappearance of the 25-c- hamburger, the 10-c- Coke and the $5 three-martini lunch. E.L. Estes Jr. Racine, Wis. Eying Evil

Despite Auschwitz, the Gulag Archipelago, Cambodia and Jonestown, we are being told once again that evil does not exist [Dec. 18]. Good grief! What would have to happen for Milhaven and Baum to accept the existence of evil? Having eliminated evil from the world, perhaps they would be so kind as to rid us of poverty, disease, pain and war as well. Robert H. Stein White Bear Lake, Minn.

History has yet to bear out liberal theology's tendency to believe all human beings are good, warm creatures with a few bad wrinkles. As one who works with high school students, I find that kids won't buy this approach because it just isn't true. Not only does it whitewash thoughts, attitudes and emotions they know are wrong, but it also deprives them of the greatest blessing one can achieve: the realization of God's infinite love for a completely undeserving man. Where there is no sin there can be no forgiveness. Robert P. Beschel Jr. Seattle

Default of Dennis

Cleveland's Mayor Dennis Kucinich seems to lend credence to the saying "Never send a boy to do a man's job" [Dec. 25]. Let's hope Santa Claus provided him with enough toys and games so he can amuse himself while the professionals attempt to straighten out the mess. Edward F. Greene Keene, N.H.

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