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In her article about the prospect of former Vice President Al Gore's launching a liberal alternative to conservative-dominated talk-radio and cable-news forums [MEDIA, June 30], Karen Tumulty identified some of the problems that a liberal would face in trying to compete with the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly. My theory about the hosts of conservative talk shows is summed up beautifully by a quote from Bertrand Russell: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."
SCOTT TYSON
New York City

Of Taxes and Tourists

In his conversation with TIME, Rudy Giuliani stated that he was proud of reducing the hotel-occupancy tax [10 QUESTIONS, June 30]. When I was considering a visit to New York City, the thought of paying a tax to stay in a hotel room never crossed my mind, but the fear of being mugged certainly did. Giuliani deserves credit for controlling street crime so that visitors could feel safe. By crediting a tax reduction for the increase in tourism, the former mayor is not doing tourists or his record full justice.
SUDHIR JAIN
Calgary, Alta.

Bare Is Better

As an English nudist living in the U.S., I read with anticipation John Cloud's report on nudist camps in the U.S. and the discussion of whether they were healthy for children [SOCIETY, June 30]. I was eager to see if the U.S. had finally accepted that social nudity is a natural and healthy lifestyle that promotes body acceptance. Unfortunately, Americans are extremely wary of nudity. The U.S. has only to look to Scandinavia, the rest of Europe and Australia to see that social nudity is something that whole families and communities can enjoy.
MURRAY CORNWELL
Tallahassee, Fla.

Human bodies come in two standard models: male and female. That isn't — and shouldn't be — a big deal. By requiring parts of those bodies to be hidden from view, society turns a lot of humans into frantic, curiosity-driven voyeurs — or worse. If we repealed all laws requiring body concealment, most of these problems would soon disappear. Not all, of course, but most.
FRANK WELLS
Hillsboro, Ore.

Going for Platinum

In "Liz Phair Makes A Pop Play," you said the feminist-indie-rock star is going pop to make her new album more commercial [MUSIC, June 30]. Say it isn't so! I like my female rockers to sound angry — at people who have betrayed them and the guys who broke their hearts. Phair's CD Exile in Guyville was a hit because every woman could relate to it. It is one of my Top 10 albums of all time. Get with it, Liz, and get your fire back!
DEBORAH C. PARTEE
Fort Wayne, Ind.