Letters: Dec. 3, 2001

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Terrorism and fundamentalism are connected to ignorance, misery and despair. Despite technological progress and the benefits of the free market, here in Latin America unemployment, social injustice and organized crime are increasing. Druglords rule poor communities. The U.S. must pay serious attention to this troubling situation, or there will be Taliban-style organizations forming south of the Rio Grande. LUIZ FELIPE HADDAD Niteroi, Brazil

Send Mickey to Kabul

The Afghan children shown in your pictures of Afghanistan are beautiful [PHOTO ESSAY, Nov. 5]. It seems as though they should be no different from children anywhere who want to have plenty to eat and go to bed with visions of pleasurable things. I've yet to meet a kid from any culture who didn't get excited about Disney World and Disney characters. Imagine how little Afghan faces would brighten if they had the opportunity to see these things! It could be said that bin Laden, al-Qaeda and the Taliban have waged war against Mickey Mouse. Maybe that should be our official propaganda slogan. DAVID ZISKIND North Woodmere, N.Y.

Britney Without Fear

Your review of Britney Spears' new album, Britney, was very disrespectful of Spears and her fans [SHORT TAKES, Nov. 12]. The CD is filled not with "titillating words and groans" but with edgy, funky tracks. It is not "frivolous" to care about Spears' artistic growth. Instead, it is what President Bush has asked Americans to do after Sept. 11--go about living our lives normally and not live in fear. Therefore, if your normal life includes listening to Britney's irresistible pop, let it be. ERIN M. LOUNSBURY Farmingville, N.Y.