Inbox

Ethics and Extinction

I applaud the tireless efforts to save endangered species and vanishing habitats, which you address in your cover story, but we need to begin to deal with the root problem: the exploding population of human beings [April 13]. How about a sterilization credit, like a carbon credit, to encourage people not to reproduce? We need to export and help finance information about all forms of birth control in all parts of the world, including the U.S. We have no trouble making decisions to limit the numbers of other species we deem overabundant, so why not our own? Ann B. Anderson, ATLANTA

Your cover exclaims, "Vanishing Act: How Climate Change Is Causing a New Age of Extinction," but the article does not--and cannot--say that. Climate change is mentioned only in passing, and the major causes of extinction are clearly shown to be deforestation and encroachment on habitat. The pictures in "10 Species on the Brink" show nine truly endangered species, then throw in the polar bear, which is 10 times as numerous as any other animal depicted, to try to make the climate-change link. An otherwise fine issue on extinction is thus marred by a gratuitous climate-change reference that is inapplicable and misleading. You can do better--and should. Fred Gray, SPRINGFIELD, VA.

Tragedy in the Military

Thank you for "The Dark Side of Recruiting," detailing the suicides of U.S. Army recruiters [April 13]. Is it the best training for men and women who choose a military career to feel, as one of your subjects says, "basically forced to do things outside of what would normally be considered to be moral or ethical"? Another probable cause of the suicides: maybe recruiters feel overwhelming guilt for being part of a system that sends recruits into a horrible, senseless war that they themselves experienced. I hope your story helps make some changes in this system. Dolores Perez Priem, SAN FRANCISCO

I find it difficult to put into words the depth of my outrage at the Army for its policies and actions toward its recruiters, which drive some of our most dedicated soldiers to suicide. More aptly put, it is murder, and I have little doubt that the Army will cover it up, accept no responsibility and take no meaningful corrective action. My personal pride as an Army veteran has suffered yet another wound. David J. Doyen, LANDENBERG, PA.

As an "Old Warrior," I read your story with disgust and sadness. The complete chain of command should be reassigned, with a failure noted in their records. Then, and only then, can the healing begin. Ray Slingerland, MILTON, FLA.

As a former U.S. army staff Sergeant, I assure you that those soldiers who killed themselves had plenty of other options. They could have picked up the phone and started working their way up the chain of command. If that didn't work, they could have requested a transfer or simply walked away. Or they could have done nothing and left the Army at the end of their enlistment. Suicide was the coward's way out. Scott True, MIAMI

Reefer Madness!