Letters: Aug. 1, 2005

Are we so naive as to believe that the Live 8 concerts [July 11] will provide relief for poverty-stricken Africans? How can we help the continent of Africa with some concerts in the park? I have never witnessed a more pretentious and self-absorbed gathering of celebrities. And all the audience had on its mind was not hope for Africa but hope for an encore. The plight of Africa is not some startling revelation. No one should be unaware of the devastation there. Live 8 will assuage the world's guilt for a while. Then sentiment will grow for a repeat event in 2025. Let's all hope we get a great summer's day for that concert too.

DANIEL KOWBELL

Toronto

Sharing Journalists' Notes

I strongly disagree with the decision made by Norman Pearlstine, Time Inc.'s editor-in-chief, to comply with a federal grand jury's subpoena and surrender the notes and files of White House correspondent Matthew Cooper [July 11]. Pearlstine said the company had an obligation to follow the law. But throughout our country's history, it has been those who have stood up to the misuse of laws who have brought about the social changes needed to protect our constitutional rights. The American press has been justifiably criticized for being too easy on the Bush Administration and not practicing real investigative journalism. I fear that Pearlstine's decision reinforces those views and further weakens the power of the press.

PATRICIA LAKE

Portland, Ore.

TIME did the right thing. As a lawyer and a Democrat, I wish the Supreme Court had heard TIME's appeal and protected the confidentiality of its reporter's sources. Still, I applaud Pearlstine for making the principled decision to follow the rule of law, much as he believes the law should be different. We don't have to like laws, orders or rulings. But unless we are anarchists, we should follow them.

RICH MCLEOD

Kansas City, Mo.

TIME's decision to turn over Cooper's reporting notes is akin to negotiating with terrorists. It only emboldens enemies of the First Amendment. The issue is not about TIME magazine. It is about the public trust that you hold. Or held.

VALARIE S. ZEECK

Tacoma, Wash.

TIME did the right thing. Perhaps in choosing to reveal sources, you will help restore faith in the media.

MARIA LONG

Sonora, Calif.

As a college journalism student, I was disappointed by TIME's decision to turn over Cooper's notes--a decision that sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of us. Our profession is under fire enough as it is. We don't need media outlets to act more like corporations answering to shareholders than like journalists answering to readers.

PATRICIA MAZZEI

Coral Gables, Fla.