Letters: Jul. 1, 1966

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Veep Javits

Sir: The Midwestern Republican who "sniffed" at the idea of Jacob Javits as a 1968 presidential or vice-presidential possibility [June 24] is quite likely one who was supporting Barry Goldwater at this time four years ago. While Goldwater "went down well" with the Kansas delegates to the Republican Convention, he did not go down at all with the state's voters. How desperately the entire world needs and longs for an intelligent, articulate, honest candidate for U.S. leadership. I believe that Sen. Jacob Javits is one strong answer.

HELEN D. FRANCIS

Hays, Kans.

Sir: Jake Javits as Republican for Vice President? The idea is not only preposterous, it is asinine.

O. W. HABEL

Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Meaning of Patriotism

Sir: We are Hospital Corpsmen in the Navy, serving with the 3rd Marine Division. We sympathize with students facing the draft [June 3]. But what they do not seem to realize is that we, too, have plans for the future. Some of us plan to get married, to finish our education, to try to live our lives in peace. Some of us have died to keep our nation free, and many more will give their lives in the future. It is not our wish that there be a war in Viet Nam, but there is.

A student describes Viet Nam as "foreign and remote." To those of us who are here, it is very near and a great threat to our loved ones at home. We are witnesses to things we would not want to happen in our country. As far as personal freedoms are concerned, we all believe in them. But what freedoms would we have if we let the "not-so-big," Communist-inspired wars go unchallenged?

JACK E. HASTY

EDWARD SAVAGE

WILLIAM D. PICKETT

THOMAS L. BOGGS

RALPH M. SMITH

Viet Nam

Sir: I wonder if these servicemen who are so quick to accuse the class of '66 of cowardice are being viewed objectively. Unfurling these soldier-patriots from the flag for a minute, I wonder how many enlisted to find adventure, to wear a uniform, to get away from Mom and Dad, to see the world, to become a man, etc., and then were caught when Viet Nam exploded into a major action. So knock off the chauvinism, servicemen. You're not fighting in Viet Nam "so college kids can go to school." You're fighting either because you have to, or because fighting means danger, excitement and medals.

J. R. BUCKNER

Los Angeles

Sir: There is something honorable and worthwhile in giving up one's career for service to one's country. To use one's superior intellect, position in life or possible future contributions to society as collateral against such service smacks of something other than democracy. To relieve a fellow of national service merely because he possesses a Ph.D. (or may, or could) or because he doesn't really want to serve does him and his country a severe disservice. He should be precisely the person called upon to perform the meanest of services, for he is supposedly the most resourceful.

MARCUS B. MOREHEAD

Assistant Professor of Geology

Appalachian State Teachers College

Boone, N.C.

An Amherst Education