Letters

Band of Bombers

Johanna McGeary's "Inside Hamas," A report on the secretive Palestinian group known for its suicide bombings, was comprehensive, insightful and an example of increasingly rare but welcome journalistic courage [April 5]. It was good to read an in-depth story on this organization. I do not condone Hamas' violent militant methods, but too often the media do not attempt to examine the validity of its grievances. Until a political resolution is developed, innocents will keep dying on both sides.
RAZAB CHOWDHURY
Oakland, Calif.

Your article portrayed Hamas members as regular family men who blow up innocent Jewish women and children between trips to the dentist and the beach. Any organization that practices terrorism to achieve its goalsno matter how honorable or correct its cause should have no voice, no credibility and no place in civilized society. Your reporting only reinforced the belief that Jewish blood is cheap, that anti-Semitism is valid and that Israel should quietly disappear into the sea.
PAUL STEVENS
Palm Beach, Fla

Kerry and the Church

In "A Test of Kerry's Faith," on the conflict between Roman Catholic Church authorities and John Kerry on issues like abortion [April 5], TIME reported, "For now, theologians say, Kerry's conduct is principally a matter between the candidate and his own Archbishop." As a practicing and struggling Catholic, I believe that Kerry's conduct is a matter between him and God. His Archbishop should have nothing to do with it.
GLORIA W. SMITH
Eden Prairie, Minn.

Many modern catholics have adapted their beliefs to the realities of today's world. St. Louis, Mo., Archbishop Raymond Burke's public warning to Kerry "not to present himself for Communion" because of his stance on abortion will not deter Kerry from making it to the White House. That warning will, however, further impede the Catholic Church's ability to meld relevant spiritual values with the choices all Catholics face today.
JILL HOLDAWAY
San Jose, Calif.

If every Catholic who uses birth control or has had a vasectomy or an abortion were denied the sacraments, there would be very few people at the Communion rail on Sunday morning.
GRETCHEN W. MARING
Ellison Bay, Wis.

Lower the Volume

"Just Too Loud" stated not only that excessive noise may cause hearing loss but also that high volume levels may be linked to hypertension, heart damage and depression [April 5]. I agree with Ted Rueter, who heads the advocacy group Noise Free America, that noise levels are becoming unbearable. During the summer months, I like to open my windows and enjoy the fresh warm air, but I have to shut them quickly because of the racket from outdoors. You said that Rueter may move to New Zealand for some peace and quiet: Can I go too?
ELVA WOITO
Cambridge, Ont.

So "a single motor scooter driving through Paris in the middle of the night can wake up as many as 200,000 people"? Oh, to be awakened like that in Paris! Anything would be better than the Harley-Davidson hell where I live.
MARK JONAS
Columbia, Calif.

Simply Irresistible?

Donald Trump, in referring to his hit TV series, stated [April 5], "All of the women on The Apprentice flirted with me — consciously or unconsciously." Amazing! It must be the hair.
JACKIE RILEY
Glendora, Calif.