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After losing her daughter to an auto accident caused by a driver using his cell phone, activist Patricia Pena launched a crusade to outlaw cell-phone use while driving. But regardless of how much sense it makes, I doubt we will ever see a ban on drivers' using cell phones. So instead of a campaign to eliminate their use, we should work with our elected officials to create legislation that would mandate severe punishment for anyone who causes an accident while driving and using a cell phone. No phone call is so important that a person must jeopardize the safety of others. DAVID LIGGETT San Dimas, Calif.
Invasion of Europe
Re your report on President Bush's trip to Europe [NATION, June 18]: I am appalled by your constant efforts to make Bush look inexperienced and dumb. You show your lack of knowledge about what he has accomplished during his terms as Governor of Texas. And as for the Kyoto Protocol, it is just a matter of common sense for Bush not to implement mandatory emissions reductions. They would be disastrous for the whole country. WILFRIED HEUER Fredericksburg, Texas
Europeans are not blind. They know an unworthy heir to the throne when they see one. They don't have Americans' desire to pretend that a man must be worthy of the presidency just because he's got the job. DAN HAGEN Charleston, Ill.
Could Bush's policies cause a renewal of anti-Americanism? That would be a dangerous development. I wish that the President of the world's sole superpower would have a greater sense of responsibility for humankind's future problems. GUENTER APSEL Orlando, Fla.
Inside the Intifadeh
Lawlessness and corruption are a huge problem in the communities under control of the Palestinian Authority [WORLD, June 18] and contribute to the poor quality of life of the Palestinians. In light of the fact that, as described in your report, the Palestinians are unable to capture the driver who killed a nine-year-old girl, Israel's request that they arrest known terrorists seems laughable. STEPHEN MALNICK Ashkelon, Israel
I am pessimistic about peace between the Palestinians and Israel. The Palestinians have been betrayed by their leaders as well as the heads of neighboring Arab nations. They have been lied to and told they could destroy Israel by continual enmity, by sniping attacks, by suicide missions. They have even been persuaded to sacrifice their children in order to win sympathy in the media. DAVID CARVER San Jose, Calif.
The Next Best Weapon
You reported that a Japanese madman stabbed eight schoolchildren in a suburb of Osaka [WORLD, June 18]. Some will argue that if knives were illegal in Japan (a country with a long history of swords and such), this awful attack wouldn't have happened. It's pretty absurd to claim that if knives and blades were made illegal now, this sort of killing would not happen in the future, but haven't we heard something like that before? KURT MAUSERT Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Driven to Extinction?