Letters

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addam did not have weapons of mass destruction. He may have been aggressive because he was frustrated by the arrogance of the U.S. What makes the Americans think they are the only ones who can responsibly use WMD? What makes them think they alone have the ultimate power to control every other country in the world?
SUSAN CHAPMAN
Toronto

Rights for Homosexuals

I am glad the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Texas law against homosexual sodomy is unconstitutional [NATION, July 7]. I hope the court will address other such laws that violate the privacy of adult citizens. There should be no law against private sexual activities. The Supreme Court was not taking sides in a cultural war, as Justice Antonin Scalia claimed in his dissenting opinion. The court was doing its job of protecting the right of privacy for every citizen in this country. Homosexuals are citizens just like Scalia, with all the attendant rights and privileges.
COLLEEN GUERNSEY
Toledo, Ohio

The Supreme Court may have mirrored cultural consensus in its decision, but that isn't the court's job. The court is there to interpret the Constitution, not to write it. When the court starts validating social norms instead of upholding the Constitution, we will live to regret it.
BEN JOHNSON
Frisco, Texas

Carrying the Banner

Perry Bacon Jr., writing on his experiences as a racial minority [ESSAY, July 7], noted that the beneficiaries of affirmative-action policies are burdened by having to "contribute diversity" and speak on behalf of minorities. That's an entertaining but flawed perspective. Affirmative action means Bacon will not have to be the only representative of blacks because there will be more than a token number at school or work, thereby enabling others to appreciate a variety of views and perspectives. Affirmative action doesn't force you to be the representative of diversity; it gives you the freedom to be yourself.
SHIRLEY J. WILCHER
Accokeek, Md.

Bacon's Column was thought provoking and well written. Twenty years ago, I became only the second woman administrator in the University of Missouri system office. Although I really didn't want to carry the banner for women, it was expected. Bacon was right: it can be a heavy burden when all you really want is to get on with the job at hand. It's a difficult balancing act to be seen as an advocate for one group without being perceived as a foe of another. I look forward to the day when race and sex are neutral descriptors and no longer carry political baggage.
MARY SAPP
Columbia, Mo.

Nudism for the Whole Family

In your article on nudist camps, my great-grandfather Silas Ilsley Boone (1879-1968) was mentioned as a minister who ran an early nudist organization [SOCIETY, June 30]. "Uncle Danny," as everyone called him, was a minister and a renowned scientist and publisher. After visiting Germany, he became interested in nudism and wanted to popularize the movement in the U.S. I spent many summers at Sunshine Park, a well-known nudist camp that he had established in Mays Landing, N.J. One September I stood in front of my school class and said I had spent my summer at a nudist camp, where I swam and played volleyball with no clothes on. My teacher was upset, my parents were called in and I was told never again to talk about nudism in public. Uncle Danny had eight children; my grandmother was the eldest. I'm pleased that you mentioned him. He was a relative to be proud of.
JUDI SHAPIRO MARRACCINI
Brick, N.J.

Going Out in Style

"What A Way To Go," on the new trend in making funerals personal and fun, was great [LIVING, July 7]. When I die, I do not want people to mourn. I'm Irish, and Irish people generally celebrate the life of the departed. I have had a great life and want people to honor the fundamental step that flows from life: death! I once owned an Irish bar here in Florida. My idea of the perfect service is to have a keg of beer by my remains and let everyone pull a draft and raise a glass, toasting my life with fond memories. It has been a great run!
PETE DERRIG
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.