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I would like to remind all those who feel the welling of compassion for the "undocumenteds" who come across the U.S.-Mexico border that when migrants choose to deal with criminals, they should expect them to act like criminals. While no sane person would wish harm to the migrants, do not forget that they choose to enter the country this way. They could go through the immigration system, as millions of others do. It is their choice to trust the "coyotes." If granting permanent residency to migrants is the only thing Washington officials can think of, we may as well throw up our hands and open the border completely. It's hardly stopping anyone now.
MERRY DOBBINS
Dallas, Ga.

Self-Interest at Work

In Daniel Kadlec's "They're Getting Richer," Kadlec noted that it is corporate executives who are benefiting most from President Bush's tax cut on dividends [BUSINESS, Aug. 18]. I guess Kadlec thinks he can decide for me who deserves the money and who does not. A much more useful article would have noted how much corporations have raised or lowered their dividends in the latest quarter compared with dividend figures for past quarters.
GARY BARTLETT
Oakton, Va.

Wow, what a surprise that the rich are getting richer under a Republican President. I personally think this country is spinning out of control under this Administration, with a war that nobody wants, a relaxation of environmental-protection laws and states and cities that are bankrupt. If Bush is a President of the people, I would like to know who those people are. I will be very active during the next presidential race working to remove this prancing peacock from office.
FRANCES J. BELL
Pittsburgh, Pa.

His Toughest Critic

In James Poniewozik's review of VH1's show I Love the '70s [TELEVISION, Aug. 18], he mentioned me and the show Ed, characterizing me as a "B-list celeb." I strongly resent this statement. Anyone who has seen my work on television knows I am on the C list.
MICHAEL IAN BLACK
New York City

Taming the Flames

Your article "fireproofing the forests" discussed the thinning of undergrowth and prescribed burns as methods for reducing catastrophic forest fires [ENVIRONMENT, Aug. 18]. In Australia I saw many examples of the maintenance of the land through planned burnings. And as you noted, the practice was also used by the White Mountain Apache tribe. Why can't we learn from these people who have thousands of years of applied knowledge?
CHARLES E. PERUCHINI
Los Angeles

Of Hope And Glory

I was frankly shocked by Richard Schickel's backhanded tribute to the legendary Bob Hope [ESSAY, Aug. 11]. Schickel said, "There was no depth to Hope." But the comedian provided millions of us with laughter and respite from rationing, poverty and rebuilding during the difficult period following World War II. The man was a comic genius, and although he had the luxury of writers, he was always quick-fire with his own natural wit. WHEN HIS FAMILY ASKED
WHETHER HE WOULD PREFER BURIAL OR CREMATION, HIS RESPONSE WAS
"SURPRISE ME." He passionately supported the U.S. all his life, even though he was British-born. His dedication to entertaining the troops in the field was legendary. Hope was the 20th century's comic icon.
PHILIP HARTLEY
York, England

As the report by J. Madeleine Nash made clear, fire behavior is a complex and highly variable phenomenon that depends not only on geography and the type of vegetation involved but also on the management history of a given stand of trees. This complexity often overwhelms policymakers, who strive for simple solutions to complex problems. It was refreshing to read such a well-written, balanced and scientifically accurate article addressing the nuanced subtleties of a complex issue in a form understandable to both the general public and legislative staff members.
JEFF KENNEDY
INFORMATION CENTER FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Davis, Calif.

Helpful Iraqis Under Fire

Your report "The War's New Front," about attacks on Iraqis who have been assisting U.S. troops [IRAQ COLLABORATORS, Aug. 18], quintessentially depicted the American policy toward the Iraqi people. You noted that Iraqi Fayek Kudayar Abbas was paid $40 a week as a translator, but quit his job after he was attacked. Since anyone working with Americans is in grave danger, it is paramount for the Americans to guarantee Abbas' personal protection. For Americans, Iraqis seem to be the equivalent of paper napkins: cheap to buy, quickly used and disposed of. And there is no shortage of supply. About 25 million desperate people have to find a way each day to get by until the next.
GREG PYTEL
London