One Small Step

To the Editors:

What an ineffable thrill it was to watch Sadat, Begin and Carter shaking hands [Sept. 25]. It was as singularly breathtaking as the feeling I had when Neil Armstrong murmured through the heavens, "One small step for man, one giant step for mankind."

Edward S. Yoste Germantown, Tenn.

No matter what happens or does not happen as a result of the Camp David agreements, the next Nobel Peace Prize should be awarded jointly to Sadat, Begin and Carter.

David A. Lane Ossining, N. Y.

The "framework" for peace between Egypt and Israel that has emerged out of the Camp David summit meeting is the greatest harbinger for lasting peace in the Western world in our century. President Carter has earned the Nobel Prize for Peace; there can be no other claimant in the field.

Victor F. Scalise Sr. Nashua, N.H.

What's all the fuss about Jimmy Carter's "personal" success and "personal" achievement in the Camp David talks? It was not his spiritual faculties but the immense economic and military power of the U.S. that enabled the President to put pressure on Israel and Egypt and bring about some promising results. The summit was destined not to fail: What would Israel be without U.S. support?

Paul Fischer Reisensburg, West Germany

Once again opportunity has passed us by. Until America faces up to the unpleasant reality that the land in question is rightfully Palestinian, no number of treaties or summits will achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. The only positive results of the recent summit will be new drains on the U.S. taxpayer to coax Premier Begin to give up a few Israeli settlements in the Sinai.

W.R. Hellmann Mission Viejo, Calif.

Mr. Begin's strength of character and adherence to principles of honor have secured peace and fairness for the world and a place of honor to our free world leader, Mr. Carter.

Manfred R. Lehmann New York City

Nuclear Furor

Your TIME Essay on the use of nuclear power [Sept. 25] is the tonic the industry needs and the information the public should get.

Oscar P. Wong Glen Ridge, N.J.

It is my professional opinion that nuclear energy, and nuclear waste in particular, is the single greatest threat to the earth's biosphere. The solution to America's energy problem is conservation.

David Kelley Columbus

Even though nuclear waste-disposal problems have not been solved, your author calls for speeded-up licensing of nuclear plants. With that kind of logic, it's not surprising that you have the gall to call opponents "irrational."

James Privitera Arnold, Md.

Controversy or not, conservation or not, one overriding fact remains: we'll need the power sooner or later. So let's get it from the cheapest source at hand--nuclear.

Stephen Barrett Barrington, R.I.

Nukes is a cute expression for nuclear reactors, which leave nuclear waste. The best scientific minds are not yet in agreement as to a reasonable and economic method of disposition of nuke waste materials. Until this is resolved for future generations, nukes are for kooks.

Edward Rosslyn Port Hueneme, Calif.

When my brother, a doctoral student in nuclear physics, spoke in favor of nuclear power, he was accused of being paid by the utility companies. These extreme environmentalists see freedom of speech only one way and are determined to press their cause at all costs.

Joyce Dube Stephens Dover, N.H.

Your Essay on nuclear power fails to recognize the basic issue underlying all antinuclear arguments--control. People make errors; we are understandably un easy about keeping matters under control when there is little room for error. Until the public is satisfied that its imperfect social, political and technical institutions can indeed control the atom, and not the reverse, nuclear power will find the going tough.

David Boyd Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Still the Greatest

Some seven months ago Muhammad Ali [Sept. 25] was dethroned; yet it appeared that he still ruled. Now the king has returned from exile. As the 36-year-old master danced through a story he had written, he proved that no matter what happens in the future, his legend has been established in history. Muhammad Ali is the greatest.

Ulysses Weldon Hyattsville, Md.

Boxing fans were becoming bored with the sport until Muhammad Ali stimulated it with his charisma, egotism and boastful antics. Now, Champion Ali's victory can only add strength to his boast: "I am the greatest."

Thomas Passarella Jr. Collingswood, N.J.

The annual $5 million waltz around the ring has got to be the world's biggest ripoff. What are the odds that, in a fog, contestants might forget whose turn it is to win?

J.A. Boyer Olathe, Kans.

Interruptions

Your article on how women talk, but men cut in [Sept. 25] struck right at home. "Joan," I called to my wife, "have you read this little article about how ..." "I've already read it," my wife answered, "and it's certainly true."

Don Boucher Denver

Revolt of the Rich?

Tax revolt [Sept. 25], my foot! When all the cacophony of economic obfuscation is over, the rich will still pay a smaller portion of their income in taxes than we, the working middle class. To change the tax structure so that it will truly reflect equity would require a revolution, or a miracle, or both. How the hell did the rich suddenly pre-empt the middle class's tax revolt?

Charles Ginenthal Forest Hills, N. Y.

If Tax Reformer Howard Jarvis wants to cut $100 billion from the federal budget, let him propose that $50 billion be taken from the Pentagon and $50 billion from the Government's paper allowance, so that all of the necessary social programs will not suffer from such drastic measures. After all, the purpose of a government is to provide for the common good, not to favor some classes of citizens at the expense of others.

Allyn Ann Farber New York City

Willie's Appeal

Our friends thought we were crazy when my cousin and I drove halfway across the country to go to Willie Nelson's [Sept. 18] Fourth of July picnic. Neither of us seems to fit your examples of Willie's fans, but his style appeals to more than just country fans and hippie types. There is a place for every type of person imaginable in Willie's songs.

Theresa Hicks Lexington, Ky.

I went to Willie Nelson's Fourth of July picnic and heard the man who is really the king of country. Others can have their twang, I think I'll have a beer and say it like it really is in Good-Hearted Woman.

David Heath Fresno, Calif.

The story on Willie Nelson was interesting to say the least. No doubt "country music's reigning redneck rocker" does possess a salable musical talent, but even a pile of manure has commercial value. We cannot blame Mr. Nelson entirely for this phenomenon. Only popular demand can create heroes. Willie is a product of the times, and what cheap products dominate the marketplace these days.

David C. Porter Houston

Helping the Poor

Florida's Judge David Taunton, the "Robin Hood of the Bench" [Sept. 18] may defend his leniency to the poor by quoting the Bible, but if he looked elsewhere in the same book he would find the quote: "Neither shalt thou favor a poor man in his cause" (Exodus 23: 3). Everyone is entitled to justice. Sympathy and compassion are admirable virtues, but even they must step aside when they are given at the expense of truth and justice.

Avrum Hyman Riverdale, N. Y.

Judge Taunton would get my vote if I lived in Gulf County, Fla. The Gulf County people should hold on to this guy because there aren't many around like him. This "Robin Hood Judge" of theirs has a real heart, and that's something new when it comes to politicians.

Lori Cornelius Madrid, Neb.

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