Nuclear Power

To the Editors:

'To give up on nuclear power [Feb. 13] is cowardice. It is running away from the problem. We need nuclear power as part of a balanced energy policy. Our challenge is to be creative and strong enough to find a solution to the current obstacles. Stephen V. Gilmore Southfield, Mich.

After vividly recounting the nuclear industry's successive fiascoes, you conclude that nuclear power should and will be a growing part of our national energy mix. Why not face the fact that this technology is technically, politically and financially bankrupt? Only then can we get on with the job of developing a realistic energy policy that matches tomorrow's needs.

Janet W. Lowenthal Director, Nuclear Information and Resource Service Washington, D.C.

We can create nuclear waste, but we do not know how to deactivate it. Until we do, the continued production of poison trash is not merely a threat to generations yet unborn but a reckless endangerment of unimaginable proportions.

William R. Stewart Hyattsville, Md.

I am appalled at the wording NUCLEAR POWER Bombing Out? used for TIME'S cover. One misconception of the general public is that nuclear and bomb are necessarily connected. Your choice of words reinforces the erroneous popular notion that anything nuclear constitutes a destructive force.

Marcus M. Urioste Westchester, Conn.

I cannot understand why so-called environmentalists are against nuclear power. I am an environmentalist, and for that reason I am ardently pronuclear. There is no question in my mind that the alternatives--oil, coal and hydroelectric power--deface the environment to a much greater extent. Conservation remains the most attractive alternative.

Tommy DeMarco Montreal

Shoot the Mind

Instead of shooting the moon on defense and military spending [Feb. 13], as Reagan's unacceptable budget proposes, why not shoot the moon on arming our minds and educational institutions? Doesn't Reagan know that education is our best defense?

Lynda Leach Champaign, III.

Blighted Buildings

Public-housing authorities are told to provide decent housing and then are denied the means to effect acceptable solutions [Feb. 13]. Meanwhile, social and political apathy at all levels of government and society provoke an attitude of "Don't bother us with the facts; just house the people." The result: today's public-housing enigma. Local public-housing authorities still represent the best approach to addressing housing issues. They remain the only entity in the residential field whose sole objective is the provision of shelter, not the accumulation of profit.

Ivan M. Pour, President Ohio Housing Authorities Conference Cambridge, Ohio

How can "local mismanagement and shoddy or nonexistent maintenance" account for "stairwells that reek of urine and ammonia" and "spray-painted graffiti" in hallways? Is it just possible, heaven forbid, that local management had assistance from the tenants?

Joseph A. Kersey Arlington, Va.

Digit Dud

Your article on mathematicians' factoring large numbers [Feb. 13] provided interesting reading. But you said that a certain 69-digit number is equivalent to 2^25^1 - - 1 That is inaccurate. 2^25^1 -1 is equivalent to a 76-digit number.

Steve Endicott San Anselmo, Calif. TIME flunked. The proper identification for the 69-digit number is (2^2515^1 ; - 1)/(503 X 54,217).

Americans First

Reader Robert Griffith's letter suggesting that the Vatican could invoke the support of Roman Catholics in this country is not only absurd but ridiculous [Feb. 13]. Catholics in the U.S. have not followed the Vatican's lead in any way for the past 50 years, except when convenient. Abortion and divorce are still prevalent and tolerated under the banners of "women's rights" and so-called annulments, while the Pope is often ignored when he tries to bring unpleasant truths to the attention of the American Catholic. Never fear, Catholics are far more American than Catholic.

Marie Celeste Whatley Aurora, Colo.

Have Bag, Will Travel

I did not appreciate the statements by John Skow in his review of Bill Barich's book Traveling Light [Feb. 6] suggesting that anyone who reads travel books does so simply because he cannot or will not travel himself. I travel. I read travel stories and essays. I find them amusing, informative, sometimes worthless, but I am not miffed at the author because he traveled and wrote a book that I purchased. In spite of the proliferation of perverse book reviewers and travel writers, my bookshelves are full and my bags are packed.

Nina Davenport-Kuettel Tarasp, Switzerland

Bandit Barriers

Your article "Heist City" [Jan. 30] implies that banks are not concerned about the rising bank-robbery rate in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Crocker Bank has taken positive steps to counter the trend. Since 1980 we have established a Robbery Prevention Unit, instituted a branch training program and installed bullet-resistant shields to guard tellers in the Los Angeles area. The story neglected to mention these programs. Like other banks, we are concerned about the trend, and we are taking action to counter the problem.

Stephen G. Ward Director of Security The Crocker Bank San Francisco

A Hero's Objection

I was disappointed in your story "Two Clashing Symbols" [Feb. 6]. Words I had uttered in good faith were twisted and given a priority they do not deserve. I am a soldier and unaccustomed to the strategies used when dealing with members of the press. Call me naive if you wish. I admit to an idealism that is at odds with the realities of the world, but this I know is only idealism. I reserve it for times when I am safe and can talk in confidence with someone who may sympathize with a soldier who has seen his buddies killed in brutal ways, brushed death, and yet been spared to die another day.

(SGT) Stephen Trujillo, U.S.A. Fort Lewis, Wash.