Letters: Feb. 15, 1982

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Super Bowl

To the Editors:

Dreams can come true. Thank you 49ers and Joe Montana [Jan. 25] for giving us inspiration.

Roger Reedy Jr San Luis Obispo, Calif

Your photograph of San Francisco's Joe Montana captured the elation and determination of a fine quarterback. Montana is the perfect symbol of this year's 49er team.

Joe Baldez Bethesda, Md.

Little wonder you write that Joe Montana is a natural. Any kid seven or eight months old who waits for his dad with a ball and bat in his hand has to be something special.

Brian Mirsky Baltimore

The 49ers have struck gold in Joe Montana.

Daniel F. O'Connell San Francisco

Growing up in a 49er stronghold, my family and I were accustomed to constant disappointment and frustration. Now, after 35 years of waiting, my father is the most alive and excited I've ever seen him. Jean Williams Calistoga, Calif.

Fear of Flying

In the wake of the tragedy of Air Florida Flight 90 [Jan. 25], airlines should set up final de-icing procedures where and when it will do the most good—at the end of the taxiing runway just prior to takeoff. Laurence J. McCaffery Butte, Mont.

Any consideration of major air disasters in recent years will reveal that a great many crashes were related to unsatisfactory weather conditions. As commendable as the safety record is for commercial aviation, it would be more outstanding if pilots had greater respect for foul weather and the effect it can have on the performance of an aircraft.

Paul L. Harrington Apple Valley, Minn.

Many times during a winter snow I have sat at the airport as attendants sprayed de-icer on the wings. Nevertheless, I always felt assured that the airline, the FAA, the professionals in the tower and the pilot had analyzed all the factors necessary for a safe takeoff. I never worried. Well, maybe we should worry. The FAA needs to rethink the rules on flying in inclement weather.

Norman L. Kautsky Littleton, Colo.

Unknown Hero

The heart skips a beat after reading "The Man in the Water" [Jan. 25]. Man can be cruel, murdering, raping and kidnaping; yet in the next instance he can be redeemed by giving his life for others.

Chuck Bastian Gaines, Pa.

"The Man in the Water" pulls many of us from icy cynicism and self-pity.

Gerald H. Zellers Oberlin, Ohio

When TIME selects its next Man of he Year, don't forget the "Man in the Water."

Mary Ann Transue Newtown, Pa.

The man in the water did not lose his fight; he won—the lives of four people.

Paul Hayward Grier Due West, S.C.

"The Man in the Water" and the story of Convict-Celebrity Jack Henry Abbott portray the astonishing range of human character under stress. The man in the Potomac responded to unyielding nature with transcendent heroism. Abbott is accused of reacting to an indifferent society with random viciousness.

Philip G. Wik Bartlett, III.

Author-Murderer