Letters, Oct. 9, 1978

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The employee of Ford's assembly line at Port Elizabeth shown in your photograph is attired for the job he is performing, that of grinding, not welding, as indicated in the caption.

Alvin E. Church Long Beach, Calif.

Satin Shorts vs. Fatigues

Arriving in San Francisco after having spent the past two years on an isolated Army post, I was unaware of the social status running [Sept. 11] had attained. This innocence led to alienation when I declined all invitations to "go run in the park." Not only did I lack satin shorts and expensive sneakers, I did not speak jog-ese. Here I've been, dressed in fatigues and combat boots, double-timing in platoon formation without realizing the social significance of my actions.

It is enlightening to know that the Army has required such transcendental activity for soldiers.

Gloria F. Nickerson Sergeant, U.S.A. Novato, Calif.

That runners often ramble on about the benefits of their sport is simple testimony to a very sad fact of contemporary life: the experience of well-being and profound physical vitality is a rarity in our culture.

Will Johnson Mill Valley, Calif.

If all the runners were put on treadmills, think of the energy that could be generated. Isn't there some way to harness all that power?

Jane Hastings Minneapolis

Thanks to Mr. Trippett for finally pricking the Achilles' heel of the righteous runner. The only thing worse than an evangelical runner is a reformed smoker.

Jack Krentzlin T itusville, Fla.

Investment in Tennis

What is so troubled about a game, tennis [Sept. 11], that commands such a fine audience, attracts so much youth? If technique, physical and mental fitness and talent are means toward large financial rewards, it is only a credit to the game that lures thousands away from harmful pastimes and overall boredom. I only wish there were more Flushing Meadows, because in today's world I cannot think of a nobler financial investment.

Emmanuel L. Vafiadis London

It is very noble of the 15 former greats to call for tennis to clean up its act, but I'm sure they would like to have said that it's too bad the big money came after they were all over the hill.

Ralph Neely Jr. Athens, Ga.

I would like to point out that if a tennis player is fined $6,000 for "not using his best efforts," his earnings must then be shown in their proper perspective.

Stacie Hartnett Bradenton, Fla.