Forum, Nov. 10, 1975

To the Editors:

I say let New York [Oct. 20] fall flat on its face.

Mike Buhmiller Kali spell, Mont.

I am for letting New Yorkers fend for themselves.

Teresa M. Brodeur Worcester, Mass.

New York City is a disgrace to democracy.

Jim Madison Denver

For decades, the rest of America and the world expected the Big Apple to be the prime source of sustenance for the poor, homeless, huddled masses. Now, because it's gone broke trying to fulfill the American dream for so many, we turn our backs.

The blame isn't just New York's. It's also America's.

(Mrs.) Susan L. Me Vey Walkersville, Md.

As America has rebuilt many of the greatest cities in Europe, shouldn't it help its own?

Pamela Losey Totnes, England

Asking the Federal Government to help New York City get out of debt is comparable to the blind leading the blind.

Carol Wallace Effingham, Ill.

As a member of the college generation of the '60s, I feel strange talking about something as unfashionable as national pride, but that is what is at stake here. We can't let our biggest, most adventurous, most exciting city go down the drain. Manhattan, is not just an island; it is a part of our heritage. Have we forgotten how to be proud of it?

Virginia Hick University City, Mo.

You cited the sizable salaries earned in New York City. You failed to mention the high cost of living, however. After one summer of Manhattan's rents and grocery bills, I appreciate California for more than its sunshine.

Cheri Peterson Fuller ton, Calif.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Your cover depicting Mayor Beame as a tramp asking for a handout is a duplicate of a cartoon in Judge magazine in 1890 portraying New York City as a beggar.

Don A. Mayerson New York City

I am not surprised New York City is broke. Next door to me on the beach in Hawaii are two ex-New York City firemen who are drawing lifetime pensions of $4,000 and $13,000 per year respectively from the city. Both of them "fell" off the truck, and now New York City is financing their lifetime vacations of surfing and lying on the beach.

Richard W. Grigg Sunset Beach, Hawaii

Rage Over Rape

"Revolt Against Rape" [Oct. 13] was an interesting article; but, as a male-chauvinistic-pig district attorney, I have found that men are far more sympathetic than women to the victims in rape prosecutions. The woman juror thinks "I wouldn't do that," and the man juror thinks the same thing.

Robert W. Baker, District Attorney

County of Shasta

Redding, Calif.

After being raped at gunpoint and watching the same thing happen to my best friend, and then doing the "right" thing by wading through two days in the uninterested, if not abusive L. A. police department and hospital, with no results, I ask along with Steinem, "What do we do with our rage?"

Rape is a great radicalizer. If the courts, legislators and police departments refuse to defend us, we must defend ourselves.

Jill Wilson Lander Santa Barbara, Calif.