Pepper Power

To the Editors: As a native of Florida, I never appreciated Congressman Claude Pepper [April 25]. However, the nearer I get to 65, the more I value him.

William M. Mirsky Houston

Instead of praising Pepper, you should damn him! His "unshakable New Deal liberalism" is a major perpetrator of inflation, the aged's worst enemy. Further, his catering to the seniors at the expense of other needy groups typifies special-interest politics at its worst.

William F. Trainer San Diego

Thank you for the great article on Congressman Pepper. He won my 62-year-old heart when I saw him bristling with righteous indignation and forcing his way into that stacked meeting on aging at the White House.

Evalyn Miles Atlanta

Here's to the man who supports my parents.

Miguel Martinez Jr. Ontario, Calif.

Pepper is being disingenuous when he asserts that Social Security "is an insurance program; it isn't welfare." What insurer can pay annuities so disproportionate to the amount of premiums contributed? The New Deal's concept of Social Security was that it should be the last resort against destitution. It was not intended to be a complete retirement program.

Geoffry V. Case Columbus

Congressman Pepper says, "I would rather live with $200 billion deficits and have more people living, than the reverse." This sounds compassionate, but Congressman Pepper and many of his constituents will be dead when the time comes to pay the $200 billion. One generation does not have the right to load its debts on the backs of future generations.

Richard C. Sipan Chula Vista, Calif.

I am 18 weeks Claude Pepper's junior. I have three grandsons who are trying to establish households on beginners' salaries. TIME acclaims Pepper's mindless thesis that the accretion of birthdays somehow ennobles their possessor. While you applaud, I will sit on my hands.

Hal Taylor Teaneck, N.J.

Pepper's appearance on TIME's cover was not his first. He was shown campaigning for re-election to the U.S. Senate on the front of the May 2, 1938, issue. I know because I reported the story from the year-old Washington office. Surely a 45-year interval between appearances must constitute some sort of record. Is Pepper the champ?

Robert Sherrod Washington, D.C.

Pepper is the champ. His nearest competition: William O. Douglas on Oct. 11, 1937, and July 22,1974.

Viet Nam Revisited

With all the stupidity and inefficiency described in your article on Viet Nam [April 25], how did the North Vietnamese beat us?

Jon Huer Birmingham

You quote a London human rights group official as saying, "In Viet Nam we are not confronted with the torture and political executions that currently scar Central America.'' Actually, many Vietnamese perished in the "reeducation" camps, where they were forced to labor twelve hours a day in malaria-infested jungles without adequate food, shelter or medication. The Vietnamese Communists have transformed Viet Nam into a huge prison camp with no human rights at all.

Nuong Van Trinh Martinez, Ga.

Ho Chi Minh was right when he said, "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom." That is the reason we boat people fled to America.

Nguyen Thanh Huy Richmond, Texas

Arafat's No

If the Palestinians missed their chance to recognize Israel's right to exist [April 25], let it be said that for more than 30 years Israel has missed the chance to recognize the Palestinians. The P.L.O. is not the only one at fault.

Carol Bachelder Boise, Idaho

I am pessimistic about the P.L.O.'s being sincere in wanting to reach an agreement with anyone. Every day that goes by makes it more difficult for Yasser Arafat to undo the current situation in the West Bank. The ball is in the P.L.O.'s court, but time is on Israel's side.

Ariel Delouya Montreal

I generally agree with President Reagan, but I do not accept his Middle East peace program. One glance at the map shows that a separate state in the West Bank is not a feasible way to secure Israel's safety. The West Bank and the Gaza Strip should be incorporated into Israel. But if Menachem Begin intends to re-create King Solomon's empire by extending Israel's borders into Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, he will have trouble.

Bernard R. Schmitz Westbury, N. Y.

Alcoholics Synonymous

Having worked with alcoholics for 13 years, I fail to see the major breakthrough claimed by Dr. George Vaillant's study [April 25]. However, I did find two very disturbing statements. First, to discuss having "a little bit of alcoholism" is ridiculous, since alcoholism by its very nature is progressive. To control this progression and still drink is impossible. Second, to state that an alcoholic needs tranquilizers is absurd. One of the major problems we face in fighting this disease is cross-addiction in an individual who has attempted to substitute a tranquilizer for alcohol. Switching addictions serves no purpose.

David Veal Macon, Ga.

Nearly every article about alcoholism I have read says that "it is a disease like diabetes." As a longtime diabetic, I can say that most diabetics would be delighted to have something like Alcoholics Anonymous, which would help put their disease into permanent remission.

Mrs. Richard H. Tinsley Tunkhannock, Pa.

Academy Rewards

I loved Columnist Joe Morgenstern's quip about the Oscars that "Gandhi was everything the voting members of the academy would like to be: moral, tan and thin" [April 25]. We all need heroes, and apparently the committee preferred that the heroes be noble and real rather than unbelievable and extraterrestrial.

Doris Sullivan Grosse Pointe, Mich.

Gandhi was the best picture of the year because it made us think and feel. When Steven Spielberg, who is a genius at influencing our emotions, conceives a movie that is as thoughtful as it is emotionally stimulating, then he will surely win his Oscar.

Paul J. Hopstock Alexandria, Va.

It is ironic that Gandhi's noble sentiments made it the big winner. E.T.'s message was much the same. It too is a celebration of peace, tolerance and brotherly love. What's more, E.T. delivers its theme in a fresher, more imaginative and technically superior package.

Steve Bennett Chapel Hill, N.C.

Gandhi would have voted for E.T. The movie showed us how receptiveness can lead to understanding, how understanding can bring trust, how trust turns to love, and from love comes an appreciation of life.

Frank Miles Normal, Ill.

Predicting AIDS

In your article on the problem of AIDS [March 28], you quote me as saying that because of frequent contact with AIDS patients and blood, "hospital workers will be next." This statement was taken out of context and is terribly misleading. My actual words were: "If this disease follows the epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis B infection, then hospital workers will be next."

Roger W. Enlow, M.D., director Office of Gay and Lesbian Health New York City Department of Health

Ode to Hats

As the owner and wearer of more than 40 different hats, I enjoyed your Essay "In Praise of Serious Hats" [April 25]. I have a special reason for using one. Years ago my doctor recommended that I wear a hat to reduce sinus trouble because heat rises and keeps your head warm.

Robert F. O'Connor Centerville, Ohio

Oftentimes I will steal into a millinery shop and try on an elegant hat. I pose it on my head and look into the mirror a la Dietrich, glancing around to make sure no one is watching me. I then quickly return it to the rack. Next time I promise to be brave.

Ann Miller Nantucket, Mass. This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so viewer discretion is required.