Letters: Sep. 20, 1999

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Horowitz is a '60s turncoat who discovered that the grass is greener--and the opportunity for self-promotion greater--on the reactionary side of the fence. White was too kind. More could have been made of Horowitz's invitation to black Americans to love America or leave it--a sentiment he abhorred when used against him and his former cohorts. Horowitz may ruminate about being accused of being a closet racist. He need not worry--he's outed himself. JULIAN BOND, CHAIRMAN N.A.A.C.P. Baltimore

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

I can relate to Paul Gray's "Dueling Head Shots" on the endless TV close-ups of ballplayers' faces [ESSAY, Aug. 30]. As a 25-year veteran of producing and directing professional baseball, I too have tried to convey what occurs over acres of ground in a sensible and entertaining way. However, most baseball viewers are just casual fans. Nine out of 10 can't tell you the difference between a curveball and a slider. But viewers can understand the sweat dripping off the brow of the pitcher. The tight shot of the hitter showing his determined stare is also appropriate. Just talking about it reminds me why I think baseball is such a terrific sport on television. MARK WOLFSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Oakland A's Television Oakland, Calif.

In their effort to "make the game more interesting," the directors are missing a great deal of the essence of the action. I'm glad Gray has reminded the TV gods that most of us fans actually enjoy watching the game. BRIAN V. WILLICK Toronto

AMNESTY FOR BUSH?

George W. Bush would be politically dead if a crime other than possible past illicit drug use were uncovered [NATION, Aug. 30]. To his advantage, this case indicates that in the public mind certain drug use is no longer considered a crime. What makes you gag is that a politician who attempts to criminalize drug use by means of tougher laws takes advantage of the situation. FLORIAN KOELSCH Cambridge, Mass.

In his coy statements regarding past drug use, Bush has consistently labeled any alleged indiscretions as "mistakes." If so, they are obviously mistakes he believes should be without consequences, either in the past or during the current presidential campaign. His evasiveness makes him just another hard-line hypocrite willing to lock up other "youthful offenders" for breaking the same laws that he was once too weak to obey. JEFF HORN Niceville, Fla.

About Bush's alleged drug use: who really cares anymore? Experimenting with drugs was a phase for millions of people who grew out of it. Bush is an intelligent, professional statesman who has nothing to hide and should not have to defend what he did as a young person. JOE MARTIN Izmir, Turkey