Letters, Jun. 24, 1996

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The major enemies of children today are missing fathers, illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol abuse, the collapse of authority and a popular culture that inspires antisocial and destructive behavior in children. The war we must wage for our children requires more than simply pouring money into programs like Head Start. There is a component of morals and values to it. The sooner we can reach a consensus on what those morals and values are, the quicker we will begin saving our children. STEFFEN W. SCHMIDT, Professor Department of Political Science Iowa State University Ames, Iowa

Even though love of children is supposed to be as natural as breathing,we seem to be totally disconnected from them. It is hard to believe that we live in a culture in which adults have to be convinced that supporting children is in their own best interest. American adults suffer from a core of loneliness that is expressed in a poverty of heart and spirit, all of which our children inherit. Youngsters need more from us: love. O. FRED DONALDSON Hemet, California

Edelman has in mind bureaucratic expansion and invasive control over individual American lives. If she, Hillary Clinton et al. were truly interested in improving the lot of children in the U.S., they could begin by championing the downsizing of government and the end to runaway social programs. Because of the irresponsible spending of self-serving politicians, every child today is guaranteed a lower standard of living than that of previous generations. KATHERINE PINKERTON Novato, California

AN ADDITION TO THE FIRST FAMILY?

The fact that ol' Hillary and Bill Clinton are contemplating having another child is not a surprise [Nation, June 3]. It is simply an election-year ploy to boost their images, to make voters forget Bill's tainted past and Hillary's Whitewater woes. Maybe their Hollywood friends believe what they say, but I doubt the American people will. ANN FINN Ridgefield, Connecticut Via E-mail

If Hillary Clinton were to have another baby in her late 40s, as I did, would she severely reduce her responsibilities as First Lady? I quit being an attorney to enjoy my treasure fully. Would Clinton send a message to women led astray by strident feminists that it is O.K. to be "just a mom" for at least part of your life? And would she experience the delightful relief of leaving the stressful workaday (or political) world for the truly enriching and rewarding world of motherhood? Go for it, Hillary, and good luck! BONNIE PACKER Palo Alto, California Via E-mail

Gee, five months before the election, the embattled President and First Lady are hoping they'll have another child, and are allegedly considering adoption, perhaps of a youngster with special needs. There is only one way for the Clintons to dispel the notion that this blockbuster revelation is just political pandering of historic proportions. They should adopt a special-needs child before Election Day. MICHAEL D. PARANZINO Rockville, Maryland

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE