(2 of 4)
Patti Davis' personal revelations in "Dope--A Love Story" made it one of the most powerful articles I have ever read about why involvement with drugs becomes an obsession [VIEWPOINT, May 7]. Her story gave me real insight into why many good friends walked away from wonderful people and fantastic opportunities into a life of turmoil and desperation. I fear the hold drugs have on certain personality types, and this knowledge only makes the present tactics of this "war on drugs" even more ludicrous. DAN FLEMING Oakland, Calif.
Enough, already. Davis wrote about Robert Downey Jr.'s love affair with drugs. If he were a cardiac patient who'd had three angioplasties yet still insisted on stuffing himself with burgers and fries, we would say he was a hopeless case. Being "in love with drugs" is really being in love with death itself. After all of Downey's backsliding, why should anyone still be wondering how to help such a pathetic example of a self-destructive life and wasted talent? AMANDA UHRY New York City
Dixie Won't Go Down
Having recently emerged from racial segregation in South Africa, I was shocked to read of the racist mind-set of many Americans who still celebrate the Confederate cause [TIME IN DEPTH, April 30]. South Africa is facing a rocky present and an uncertain future with the huge challenges left by apartheid still inflicting pain on many citizens. But as uncomfortable as it may be, for better or worse, we are attempting to confront those issues in the media and civil society at large. It appears that America's racial baggage has been swept under the rug in an effort to give the impression of a unified and free society. The attitudes described in your article will continue in America until the problem of race is confronted and laid to rest. COLIN WAKEFIELD Johannesburg
Pumping Up Taiwan's Defense
I was happy that President Bush spoke unambiguous words to the effect that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China [WORLD, May 7]. Taiwan is a de facto independent democratic nation, and should be free to decide its own destiny without threats. The sooner Taiwan declares its independence and changes its name to the Republic of Taiwan, the better the situation will be for both Taiwan and China. ASGEIR INGIBERGSSON Camrose, Alta.
Give Jenna a Break!
The media left Chelsea Clinton alone for eight years; why start picking on the Bushes' daughter Jenna? Imagine what your publicizing her underage drinking does for the 19-year-old's reputation [PEOPLE, May 7]. She didn't ask for the attention, and to bring disgrace on her for something that many college kids do smacks of sensationalism and perhaps resentment toward a conservative President. Get back to reporting serious issues and leave the Bushes alone. ANTONIO FERNANDEZ Barcelona, Spain
Fear for the Planet
Dear George W. Bush, one of the reasons you stated for not implementing the Kyoto Protocol was that you have to protect America's economy. What a shortsighted excuse [SPECIAL REPORT, April 9]! Right now your job is not to please U.S. industry but to make sure this world will remain healthy for the sake of the generations still to come, including your grandchildren. HUBERT SALVENMOSER Baumkirchen, Austria