Letters, Apr. 21, 1980

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Chappaquiddick and his personal problems may have done in Teddy Kennedy. But I believe that the American people also perceive him as the king of the big spenders who have brought this country to the very brink of economic collapse. The aspirations of an arsonist to be fire chief strike many as ludicrous.

Thomas T. Cobb Daytona Beach, Fla.

Though Ted Kennedy may not be endowed with John Kennedy's wit and intelligence or with the heart of Robert Kennedy, he has shown himself to have the guts of a street fighter. He always comes back. A man with the guts, determination and perseverance of a Ted Kennedy would serve the country well in the Oval Office.

Joseph L. Boohaker Birmingham

In 1976, in the wake of Watergate, I was one of those who fell on their knees and prayed for Jimmy Carter to be elected President. But on the issue of the Soviets' threat to world peace, President Carter has been toeing too soft a line. Give Ronald Reagan a chance and retain Zbigniew Brzezinski.

Joshua A. Ladapo Jos, Nigeria

As a resident of Ohio, I am being cheated by the people of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and other states of the chance to vote for certain presidential candidates because they have already been eliminated. By June 3, when I get my chance at the ballot box, the field will be even narrower.

James E. Latham Youngstown, Ohio

Cronkite for President?

Hugh Sidey may have been joking when he suggested Walter Cronkite as a possible President [March 31], but it's no joke. Either party could nominate Cronkite and win. He knows more about national and international problems than any other two candidates put together, and, as a duty, I think he would accept the miserable job.

George A. Kellogg Athens, Ga.

Cronkite for President! I'll vote for that. Younger than Reagan, smarter than Carter and classier than Kennedy, Walter Cronkite outflanks the whole field in all respects.

Connee Merwin Falls Church, Va.

Saving America

When will a President learn that disciplining America is like disciplining a child? It's more effective to reward the good than to punish the bad. Why not reward the child who eats his vegetables? Americans need incentives to save and invest [March 24], like raising interest ceilings for small savers and reducing or eliminating taxes on interest and dividends.

People won't spend if they can make money by saving.

Bill Zvara Lansing, Mich.

Guess Who's Coming to Moscow

The biggest game of all is guessing who will be at the Summer Games in Moscow [March 31].

Warren Abbey Key West, Fla.

A boycott that could destroy the Olympic Games forever would be a tragedy to be remembered long after Afghanistan and the 1980 elections have faded from mind. If the U.S. is going to deny its citizens passports in order to prevent their participation in Moscow, I hope there will be an underground railway to smuggle out American athletes and spectators who want to do their part to keep the Olympic spirit alive.

John E. Ricketts Uxbridge, Ont.