State of Africa

To the Editors:

We criticize Africa for its political and economic problems [Jan. 16] but fail to consider what the U.S. was like on its 25th anniversary. In 1801 many Americans were illiterate. Transportation was poor, and the nation had a weak central government, minority problems, strong regional loyalties and was dependent on foreign allies. Taking a cue from our own history, we should give Africa more time to deal with its woes.

Steven C. Foshay Boonton, N.J.

Senegal's Leopold Senghor says, "The colonizing powers did not prepare us for independence." True, but those European nations did build roads and help with farming. They also brought in medical supplies and educated Africa's youth in British and French universities.

Anny C. Bennett Lynchburg, Va.

You state that South Africa is a major exception to Africa's litany of economic failure but that this has been achieved at the "cost" of disenfranchisement of 21 million blacks. One thing has nothing to do with the other. South Africa's economic success is due to a sustained and intelligent application of the free enterprise system, coupled with the area's substantial natural resources. More and more white South Africans are beginning to realize that a way must be found to share political power with the blacks and at the same time preserve the country's successful economic system.

Embree M. Kennedy Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The suggestion that apartheid is the "price" South Africa has had to pay for its relative economic prosperity is illogical Apartheid, far from stimulating growth has hampered it. Had apartheid not been implemented, South Africa would today have a far larger gross national product and a vast, prosperous black consumer society. We would all, black and white, be better off.

Stephen Mulholland, Editor Financial Mail Johannesburg

For 20 years I have been convinced that the future must encompass a United States of Africa. I still believe that.

Judith A. Ellis Denver

Nigeria's Coup

The title of your article "The Light That Failed" [Jan. 16] shows that you are trying to measure Nigeria by U.S. standards. In a poor country, bread and butter come before your so-called democracy.

Adeyemi Olubummo East Orange, N.J.

Nigerians elected Alhaji Shehu Shagari, but his administration failed to meet the requirements of democracy. Instead, his officials sought their own personal gain. I believe Nigerians would prefer to be ruled by soldiers who will strive for the good of their country.

Frank S. Oshodi Dallas

Jackson's Mission

Congratulations to the Rev. Jesse Jackson on his successful mission to free Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman [Jan. 16]. I wonder if President Reagan is as happy about Jackson's accomplishment as he professes to be.

James I. Robinson New York City

Even if Jackson had failed to gain Goodman's release, I would have applauded him for acting.

Ray C. Finch III Leavenworth, Kans.

Jackson's mission could have failed for the same reason that it succeeded: because Assad wanted it to.

Henry Glenn Hostetter Annville, Pa.

An appeal for the return of a captured soldier smacks of begging. This is humiliating. Jackson's actions should be scorned for having put us in debt to Assad.

Benjamin K. Rissky Boulder, Colo.

Bidding Farewell

Your Essay on classy exit lines [Jan 16] omitted my favorite, the last words of General Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys. As the end approached the family called in the local parson, who announced, "The angels are waiting for you, General Allen." At that the irascible old man glared at the parson and rasped

Waiting for me, are they? Waiting for me? Well, goddam 'em, let 'em wait." He hen fell back and expired.

Clarence E. Anderson Kennedy, N. Y.

John Greenleaf Whittier on his deathbed said, "Love to all the world."

Richard F Lyons Bradenton, Fla.

Defending Drunken Drivers

As a police officer, I have seen firsthand the physical and emotional damage wrought by drunken drivers [Jan. 16]. True, every defendant is entitled to representation. However, drunken drivers are not entitled to evade justice simply because they can afford to hire an attorney with more legal talent than scruples.

Jerome R. Sharpe West Bloomfield, Mich.

The admission of Lawyer Robin Picker, who advertises for clients among drunken drivers despite the fact that his sister was killed by one, is not shocking. It strengthens my belief that most defense lawyers who get their clients off despite evidence of guilt have no conscience.

Eric Marmont Half Moon Bay, Calif.

Getting Along

I was incensed after reading the letter from Marianne Kopko [Jan. 16], who says, "No American should have to share the cover with a Communist." If this attitude is indicative of how Americans think, then the current U.S.-Soviet diplomatic freeze can only worsen. Peaceful coexistence with the Soviets is necessary, especially in today's nuclear age. This cannot be accomplished through mutual hatred.

Jim Sailer Rhinebeck, N. Y.

Irresponsible Press

In the Letters section [Jan. 16], U.S. Ambassador to Mexico John Gavin questions the First Amendment protection of free expression by quoting the remark, "You cannot hold on to a free press if it behaves irresponsibly." To the contrary, the fact that we can have irresponsible reporting is a necessary corollary to the right to free speech. If some authority is to decide who has responsibility in order to be allowed to be "free," then there is in fact no freedom. Irresponsibility is the price of freedom; it is a small price that much of the world is not willing to pay.

Irwin N. Perr Piscataway, N.J.