Rules Of Conduct

To the Editors:

If we are disturbed by the moral malaise in the U.S. ((ETHICS, May 25)), perhaps we should check American attitudes to find the root of the problem. The American dream of the "good life," a label for our unchecked individualism, has led us to a state where opportunities have become rights and rights have become untouchable. Religion and morality are maintained not as guideposts of conduct but as props to make us look as if we were the good folks.

Mark Franceschini

Westminster, Colo.

After Nicaragua appeared before the World Court and charged the U.S. with mining its harbors, the Reagan Administration refused to accept the court's order to desist. Considering the atmosphere created by the Government, should we be surprised with the ethics of those in the Administration who have gone astray?

James H. Arvanites

Watertown, N.Y.

I do not believe it is immoral to rip off the Ayatullah and send the profits to the contras so that the U.S.S.R. does not have a Communist base in North America. If readers were to believe every word TIME published, they would think President Reagan was responsible for each scandal that happened. When you write about the President and his ethics, remember what this country was like when he took office.

David James

Irvine, Calif.

People are not becoming more evil but more perfect. The events and behavior you cite as evidence of questionable ethics simply reflect our increased awareness of evil through the technology of instant global communications. Any public lapse of morals is now known instantly and responded to with outrage and a demand for perfection. To me, this represents an improvement in our situation.

David Crane

Wheaton, Ill.

You did not mention that being honest is back in style. Unethical behavior is less tolerated today; hence many dubious activities that were once ignored are at last being confronted and corrected. Self-indulgence is not unique to "America's national character," as you imply. It is a characteristic of all people.

Tom Fisher

Homerville, Ohio

I could not agree with you more that ethics and morals have hit a new low. Every part of society seems to have been tarnished. Scandals in religion, the military, corporations and, of course, the government. Drugs everywhere. But when was the last time a case of corruption or drug abuse was reported concerning the media? Keep up the pompous work.

Jeffrey Luke Brown

Albuquerque

Your article "Morality Among the Supply-Siders" is a misnomer. The word supply-side pertains to economics and the economics of incentives. There was not one economist -- let alone a supply-side economist -- listed in your rogues' gallery. Why you chose to besmirch the name supply-side in this totally inappropriate context is beyond me.

Arthur B. Laffer

Lomita, Calif.

When the White House fosters the violation of our laws, when a TV minister makes a mockery of the teachings of Christ, I do not see how our President can then refer to the Soviet Union as a godless nation. What corner of hell is being reserved for us?

George H. Henning

Roanoke, Va.