F.D.R. Revisited

To the Editors:

Franklin Delano Roosevelt [Feb. 1] was a part of my childhood. My father worked for the WPA, and my brother at a CCC camp. His name was spoken with esteem in our household. That rich voice on the radio gave assurance and hope to my parents. I love F.D.R.

Genevieve McCoach Willow Grove, Pa.

Your article on F.D.R.'s legacy transported me back to a 1936 college class in political science. At one point in the professor's discourse on Roosevelt's programs I asked: "Who is going to pay?" His pince-nez popped off his nose, his face reddened, and his eyes sparked, as he exclaimed, "You, you and your children and your grandchildren!"

Betty L. Sells Tubac, Ariz.

I voted for F.D.R. four times: in 1932, for change; in 1936, to complete the change; in 1940, because of impending war, and it was no time for change; and in 1944, I was addicted. Finally, I kicked the Democratic habit. The country has managed to survive.

Ashley Halsey Spotsylvania, Va.

Unusual times-demand uncommon actions: Democrat Roosevelt in the '30s, Republican Reagan in the '80s.

Frank J. Gaziano Cape Elizabeth, Me.

Your excellent review of Franklin Roosevelt failed to mention one fact: his neglect, if not abandonment, of European Jewry during World War II. Roosevelt's callous refusal to take appropriate actions to end the Nazi killing machine is now too clearly documented to be dismissed in a period of reminiscence. I cannot share in a celebration of his legacy.

Rabbi Joshua Berkowitz Stamford, Conn.

F.D.R.'s humane immigration policy allowed my German-Jewish grandfather and his family to escape the Nazi Holocaust. Roosevelt's portrait held a special place in my grandfather's home.

Robert M. Juelich Greensboro, N.C.

Those people who want the "shrine" to F.D.R. should pay for it themselves. The taxpayers are still spending money on his fumbles, and I do not wish to hand out more for yet another wasteful cause.

Joy Hukill Tucson

The only psychological revelation in Alice Neel's painting of Roosevelt was that beneath the facade of charm was a shrewd politician with eyes as calculating and cold as a cigar-store Indian's.

Phil Link Reidsville, N.C.

I have finally decided on my alltime hero: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Whatever his failures, they were all overshadowed by his monumental deeds.

Maria F. Oliveros Chicago

Prose vs. Murder

I applaud your Essay, "The Poetic License to Kill" [Feb. 1], but it should have more strongly condemned Norman Mailer's oracular pronouncement that "culture is worth a little risk." There are people who are blind to moral values--just as there are those who are oblivious to aesthetic ones, but both originate from the idea that a human life is important because it cannot be traded for anything.

Leo Ranch Cincinnati

It is doubtful that the parole board granted Jack Abbott his freedom strictly on the basis of his literary talent; presumably it also believed he would not pose any meaningful threat to society. Norman Mailer simply acted as an advocate, marshaling the facts and arguing them in favor of Abbott's release.

Gary Pilcher Youngstown, Ohio

Was it poetic license that enabled psychiatrists to save Ezra Pound, on a plea of insanity, from the firing squad?

Ann C. Pfizenmaier Hingham, Mass.

Shoot the Handgun

The convictions held against handguns' are based on the press sensationalization of the deaths they cause. Do the town fathers of Morton Grove [Feb. 1] expect every lawbreaking criminal to rush to turn in an illegal weapon?

Jack Slovak Shelton, Conn.

The National Rifle Association is beating the old "right to bear arms" slogan, while ignoring the one fact that overwhelmingly takes precedence--the right to live. Allowing someone to carry a weapon that can be concealed and used at the whim of one's passion is immoral.

James C. Magee Drexel Hill, Pa.

Heartless Chic

How sad that leather should become the fashion mandate for all seasons [Feb. 1]. This translates into more animals being slaughtered to pander to the whims of the jaded elite and more money for the greedy fashion industry.

Gloria S. Cohen Plymouth Township, Pa.

No matter how stylish the big name designers make leather and suede look, I say it's worn most elegantly by the original owners.

Virginia C. Alenson Edinboro, Pa.

It is too bad that innovative designers use the South African hair sheep for their fashions instead of the cow, which is in plentiful supply. These stylish skins cost more than the rancher gets for his whole animal--$300 of beef, bone and leather.

Donna J. Eato Lamar, Colo.

Stormy Water

In the article rating the most desirable cities in the U.S. [Jan. 11], it said that "Atlanta is the second worst city for water pollution after Albuquerque." This comment has caused great consternation to both citizens and public officials here. TIME's source, the Places Rated Almanac, quoted a 1974 report on liquid effluent being discharged into the river. You imply that the city currently has polluted drinking water. This water comes from wells and has never been less than first-rate. Furthermore, since 1978, Albuquerque has been in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which means that wastes no longer pollute the river.

Harry E. Kinney, Mayor Albuquerque

The Way We Were

Recently I discovered two 19th century directives from Washington to American diplomats in the field. In one, "The U.S. claims no right to inquire into, or to interfere with the internal affairs of other powers." The second is more explicit. "It is impossible that you can reform either the morals or the politics of Peru, and as this is no part of your mission you ought to take its institutions and its people just as you find them." The first instructions went in 1844 from Acting Secretary of State Richard K. Cralle to John A. Bryan, U.S. charge d'affaires, Lima, Peru. The other guidelines were laid down by Secretary of State James Buchanan in 1846.

Perhaps the world of the late 20th century is so interrelated as to preclude such a straightforward approach to foreign policy. However, the best solutions to the most complex problems still present themselves in the simplest form.

Lawrence A. Clayton

Associate Professor of History

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Separate Couples

In your "Marital Tale of Two Cities" [Jan. 25] you failed to mention the plight of the scallop fisherman who is out to sea for ten to 14 days and home for only five. No letters can be sent. Ship-to-shore phone calls cost more than $7 for three minutes, and the conversation can be heard on scanners throughout the area.

Ann Breier Camden, Me.

Negative Beeps

Pianist Andor Foldes said in his letter [Jan. 18] that using a computer can "negate everything that music stands for." The composer or the performer decides whether or not a musical offering is accepted by the listener. Many people are not moved by a performance made with pieces of wood, bones and bird whistles, but at one time that was considered music when we had nothing else.

Jimmy Pratt Hamburg, West Germany

Credit Adjustment

We were delighted with the enthusiastic reaction of Robert Hughes to the new Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art [Feb. 8].

Unfortunately, there was one significant omission in the article, which should be rectified. The design of the installation, which Hughes accurately praises, was the work of Stuart Silver, principal design consultant and formerly director of design at the Metropolitan Museum, and Clifford LaFontaine, design associate and project coordinator. Architect Kevin Roche, of Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo Associates, did create the building itself; however, the actual installation was the inspired work of Silver and LaFontaine. We feel it is important to assign credit to them for their splendid achievement.

Philippe de Montebello, Director

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York City

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