Forum, Nov. 4, 1974

Rockefeller, Money and the Game

To the Editors:

I am as puzzled as anybody about Nelson Rockefeller's gifts and loans to his buddies, and about his brother's literary patronage. It smells peculiar, but no one seems to know what these odors mean precisely concerning the vice presidency—except that his confirmation would give us the most generous Veep in history.

One thing does seem certain. Where there is big money around, politicians will spend it to get themselves elected, to increase their influence, to help their friends (personally as well as politically, it seems) and to confound their adversaries. It is an old, old game and the public often loses. Isn't it time to change the rules? We cannot make our leaders take a vow of poverty. But we can make ironclad restrictions preventing a candidate or public official from using his own money for any political or public purpose. The next clause should prevent one officeholder from "assisting" another. Let them a11 behave like paupers.

Margaret Menendez

S. Miami, Fla.

I believe in Rockefeller and his heritage. Why shouldn't he express his gratitude to friends with a token gift of a porcelain figurine? This gesture was not a swindle at the expense of the taxpayer. The Carnegie, Rockefeller and Henry Ford families, through their endowments of Libraries and foundations, have contributed much to the peoples of the Americas and other countries.

J. Jackson Bartlett

Huntsville, Ala.

That's a switch, a politician buying instead of being bought.

Dean P. Blanchette Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Now we know why Rockefeller could never find anything to criticize in Nixon's arrogant abuse of power.

James E. Dittes

New Haven, Conn.

Nelson A. Rockefeller apologizing to Arthur J. Goldberg about that derogatory book was similar to a professional boxer beating up an ordinary citizen on the street and afterward telling onlookers that he was sorry for the mistake.

Andrew S. Kushner

Lakewood, Ohio

Governors and Governance

I am thoroughly satisfied with the fine job Ronald Reagan has done for our great state and surely do not want a Jerry Brown [Oct. 21] to take over now. Houston Flournoy not only has the credentials for Governor but has the guts as well. Sympathetic? Yes. Empathetic? Yes. And he has the courage to tell those who want to spend our state out of existence to go directly to hell. I feel that Jerry Brown might have to call a prayer meeting to decide a tough issue.

Dwight W. Heminger

Claremont, Calif.

To be in tune with the times, you should run a cover picture of Houston Flournoy on your next issue, plus at least two pictures of him at work in your inside story. Fair play is what campaign reform is all about, and you are the first and worst violator.

Charles S. Gubser

Member of Congress

10th District, Calif.

Washington, DC