Letters

Terror Strikes

To the Editors: I cannot remember a time when there was so much bloodshed from attacks by terrorists and assassins [NATION, July 1]. Reading about all the "just causes" reminded me of the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, who said he was willing to die for his cause but believed there was no cause for which he was willing to kill. Laurie Ambrose Buffalo

Hijackings occur because political solutions have failed. Nations that suppress minorities are shifting their responsibilities to countries like the U.S. that use more civilized systems for redressing the problems of their citizens. People's grievances must be addressed. Ottis J. Knippers Jr. Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

If I were held hostage, I would say that I was expendable. I say, blow up, shoot up, bomb and machine-gun the plane. This would kill the hijackers, the crew and the innocent hostages, but that is the only answer to terrorists' demands. Mary E. Isgrig Paris, Ky.

It is amazing that the U.S., the most open society in the world, has so far been the safest. But most experts on terrorism agree that America will be the next target. From this point on, caution and a keen sense of awareness should be used. To succumb to fear and panic is not the answer. The terrorists' assumption that taking Americans as hostages humiliates us is sad and ludicrous. The U.S. will never be brought to its knees by terrorists, nor can we be shamed by those who adhere to religious and political fanaticism. Clay E. Ewing Goliad, Texas

One defense against hijacking would be the installation of a button in the cockpit that when pressed by the pilot would spray a harmless gas throughout the cabin, putting everyone to sleep. On landing, the good and the bad could be sorted out. All that is needed is a gas mask for the pilot. Helen Smith Far Hills, N.J. Accusing the Press

The news media have the power to stop or at least curtail hijackings [PRESS, July 1]. By refusing to give the terrorists publicity, the press would rob them of the attention they seek and facilitate retaliation. An ancient Greek legend tells of an assassin who murdered a beloved citizen so that his name would be remembered. The Greeks punished the assassin by agreeing never to mention his name. Manfred S. Zitzman Reading, Pa.

The media have done a credible job of informing the public. But when news organizations provide hijackers with international exposure, which could pressure the President into negotiating with them, it is time Congress considers the question of whether the press is aiding and a betting our enemies. Alva E. Koch Springfield, Mo.

Why, why, why does the press persist in giving so much free publicity to those shrieking robots who threaten, abuse, torment and kill our citizens as well as those of other nations? Mary T Burley Mount Morris, Mich. Pressuring South Africa

The move by the Congress to impose economic sanctions against South Africa [NATION, June 17] is a step in the right direction. It may be true that those most affected by the sanctions will be black people. But it may also be true that these initial sacrifices will bring freedom and dignity to the people of South Africa. Hari Govindraj New York City

Many Americans who remember the dismal lessons of grain embargoes and Olympic boycotts are opposed to economic sanctions against South Africa. I for one am deeply troubled by apartheid. But I believe sanctions will just lead to our forfeiting trade markets to other countries and will create more black African unemployment. This approach is indefensible and will only strengthen South Africa's reluctance to change. Louis Selig Jr. Baton Rouge, La. Aiding Nicaragua

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega Saavedra goes to Moscow and the roof falls on his head. The House votes for $27 million in aid to the insurgents [NATION, June 24] fighting Ortega's government. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, on the other hand, goes to Moscow and Washington smiles. He gets the red-carpet treatment and a presidential welcome only a few weeks after bussing Soviet cheeks. Talk about Alice in Wonderland foreign policy. Richard P. Wilson Mobile

Nicaragua is a complex issue. Yet the Reagan Administration is speeding toward the day when each American will have to take a stand. At that time, this simple question should be asked: Do I as an American have the right to kill the citizens of Nicaragua to protect our standard of living? Keith Anderson Bellingham, Wash. Taking AIM

Many of your criticisms about the Viet Nam documentary by Accuracy in Media [VIDEO, July 1] were on the mark. However, I must take you to task for referring to the "old conservative charge that the media misled the nation about the 1968 Tet offensive." Based on my experience in Viet Nam at the time, I would say there is some truth to that charge. Prior to the Tet offensive, the G.I.s were frustrated because the enemy "would not come out and fight" but would retire to the jungle after striking. During Tet the Viet Cong did come out and fight. In most places, they were clobbered. After a day or so, our dismay at the surprise attack turned to elation when we realized the enormous casualties we inflicted on the Viet Cong.

There is and always will be much room for honest disagreement about the Viet Nam period in our history. But there is no longer any question that the American public misunderstood the significance of the Tet offensive, mainly because the press misreported it. Hugh H. Mills Cookeville, Tenn.

The question is asked: Was PBS "setting a dangerous precedent by broadcasting the reply of an openly partisan group to one of its programs?" I have a query of my own: Why shouldn't PBS, as a corporation funded by taxpayers, be open to all views? John Watkins Blue Rapids, Kans. Later Model

You failed to make clear that Jacques Cousteau's ship Alcyone was not created by him or his confreres [PEOPLE, July 1]. It is a modern adaptation of a similar ship, designed by a German named Anton Flettner, that sailed into New York Harbor in 1926. Ferdinand Rosentraeger Deltona, Fla. Rambo's Revenge

You completely missed what people are responding to in Rambo [SHOW BUSINESS, June 24]. They are not cheering the military confrontation or violence. They are applauding someone who is facing nearly impossible odds and winning. Connie and Blaine McFadden San Jose

I am one Viet Nam vet who takes issue with the fad of Rambomania. It glorifies all I have been trying to forget for the past 15 years. The destruction of an ancient culture and its people has been a haunting memory for me, and I see no need to depict it in a motion picture. Chip Troiano East Hardwick, Vt. Good Morning Today

You missed the real reason why NBC's Today show caught up with and sometimes surpassed ABC's Good Morning America [VIDEO, June 24]. The weatherman, Willard Scott, is the real plus. Billy B. Fuller Winter Park, Fla.

Why do you call those morning shows "news" programs? The major networks are engaged in reciprocal cloning. Don Fare Nacogdoches, Texas Battling Beehive

Your article "Down Time for Computers" [ECONOMY & BUSINESS, May 20] reported that Beehive International had filed for bankruptcy. Beehive has proposed a revised reorganization plan with the courts, and Aug. 1, 1985, has been set as the date for the confirmation hearing, when it is anticipated we will exit bankruptcy. Linda O'Neal Director, Marketing Services Beehive Salt Lake City Personal Taste

I am one of the thousands of loyal Coca-Cola drinkers who are dismayed that Coke has tampered with its once unbeatable taste [ECONOMY & BUSINESS, June 24]. Nothing is sacred anymore. Anita Clarahan Chelsea, Mass.

I used to hate Coca-Cola. It was flat and tasted like syrup. I now will buy only new Coke. Virginia Myers Aston, Pa.