The Pope

To the Editors:

Shooting a world leader and a man of God has got to be the greatest shame for mankind [May 25]. All the Pope did was condemn violence and hate among us.

Misael C. Balayan Cheyenne, Wyo.

How ironic that the Pope was able to survive the brutality of a war and a Communist regime, only to be nearly silenced by an assassin's bullet.

Mary Sue Timar Toledo

I believe in the Pope's words to the U.N.: "Man has a destiny beyond the grave."

I only hope that he is given an opportunity to finish his much needed assignments here on earth. If the '80s are going to be a time for terrorists, they should also be a time for survivors.

Dave L. Guenin Oshkosh, Neb.

Whom do they shoot next? If God himself were riding in a motorcade, some nut would take a pot shot at him.

Randy Johnson Santa Clara, Calif

To describe Mehmet All Agca as a terrorist is to grant to him and other murderers a panache that tends to add fascination to their inhuman outrages. There is another name for terrorism. It is evil. Those who are in its grip relentlessly seek out the best among us for destruction.

Joan M. Forde Chestnut Hill, Pa.

Many assassins admit they kill for publicity. Consequently, the media should observe an anonymity law. Do not identify them or their cause. Deny them the exposure they get for trying to kill a public leader. This may violate free press, but it protects human life, which should take precedence.

(The Rev.) Edward M. Foster Crosslake, Minn.

When I heard that my blood type is the same as that of John Paul II's, I decided to donate a pint of my blood in the Pope's behalf. As a German Jewish victim of Nazi persecution, I have little in common with the Pope, except a passionate desire for peace--and a common blood type.

Peter E. Engler Berkeley Heights, N.J.

Sick Social Security

Social Security [May 25] is nothing more than a system of robbing Peter to pay Paul. The only question is: Whom will they rob to pay Peter?

Elliott ("Peter") Oring Santa Rosa, Calif.

If U.S. tax laws were designed to provide economic incentives to save for the future, most U.S. retirees would probably support themselves, abolishing a need for Social Security.

Steven Schwartz Madison, Wis.

I am 23 years old, make just over $ 10,000 a year and pay nearly as much Social Security as I do federal income tax. I don't mind paying taxes, but to give my money to a program seemingly doomed to collapse just isn't American. I welcome President Reagan and his new programs. Thomas P. Hagstrom Rapid City, S. Dak.

Why has no one suggested that we return to the basic concept of Social Security retirement payments in which only those who have earned them receive them? On the contributing side of the coin, all workers are equal. On the receiving side, some are more equal.

Martial C. Esparros Bell, Calif.

Lebanon's Fate

Ruthless neighbors are devouring Lebanon's remains, while we fail to give assistance [May 25]. What a shame, especially since democratic Lebanon shares our values.

John II Trade Puteaux, France

I fled Lebanon in 1975. Since then, nothing has changed. The country is tired of cosmetic solutions. It needs major surgery: outright partition.

Varoujan Barsoumian Alesund, Norway

Refreshing News

As a layman with a longstanding interest in ecclesiastical architecture, I found James Wilde's "In New York: Mortar and the Cathedral" [May 25] encouraging. It is refreshing to know that men are willing, even eager, to contribute to a monument whose completion is tentatively 30 years away.

R. Thomas Lutzy Arlington, Mass.

Post-Funnies

Richard Corliss's analysis in "Comedy's Post-Funny School" [May 25] gives Tomlin, Martin, Kaufman, et al, more credit than they deserve.

Virtually all got big breaks and publicity on popular TV shows, and nearly all ran out of material a year or so later. Since they're seldom funny any more, they settle for merely acting strange.

Charles Rich Silver Spring, Md.

Frivolous Art

One cannot disagree with Robert Hughes' claim that viewing 19th century German art may be instructive [May 25]. Yet it is difficult to see how he finds "a peculiar dignity" in this collection of superficiality, which resembles early Woolworth art that adorns cheap motel rooms.

To blame America's ignorance of German painting on the reaction to Nazism is nonsense. This art is ignored because it is ignorant.

Robert J. Scholes Gainesville, Fla.

Naval Nightmare

As a legal clerk in the Navy, I saw numerous cases of physical and emotional "retraining" [May 25]. If these so-called dedicated military personnel were sought out and exposed, young men who volunteer to serve their country would not have to be subjected to such lunacy. They're not kidding when they say, "It's not just a job." For some, it's a real nightmare.

Thomas J. Rizzo Spring Hill, Fla.

Legendary Lena

The word legendary is tossed about casually in the world of the performing arts, but Lena Horne deserves the attribution [May 25]. She is the last of a rare breed, a national treasure who has stood the test of time and prejudice.

Edouard E. Plummer New York City

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