Letters

The Secrets of Eating Smarter

"People are looking for a magic bullet, but they can't ignore the basics: eat healthy foods, exercise and stay away from fast food." Irina Mounkes Incline Village, Nev.

Thank you for the superb article about eating smarter [Oct. 20]. It certainly proved that spending millions on fad-diet books is a waste of time. Why is it that people who want to lose weight don't understand that they have to adopt eating habits they must maintain for the rest of their life? Everything they need to know was included in your reporting. After I read your story, I danced around the room, saying "Yes, yes, yes!" Barbara Watson Nipomo, Calif.

As a registered dietitian, I was happy to see an article about nutrition that gave sound advice. But I have two messages for our food industry: 1) many of the foods that our population should be eating--fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains--are prohibitively expensive for the working class and the poor, and 2) too much money is spent on developing and marketing inexpensive foods with no nutritional value. Food manufacturers would do well to put fewer choices on our grocery store shelves; then perhaps Americans would slim down and be healthier. Nancy Dimond Easton, Md.

Your article began with an account of a busy parent trying to get a quick but healthy meal to the table. Then you told us everything that was wrong with it. Where was the list of fast, healthy and child-friendly dishes that we can throw on the table after the bruising day at the office and the hair-raising commute? Beth Tiggelaar Grapevine, Texas

You should have explained the benefits of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. These foods promote health because they are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and low in calories. They should not be compared with the highly processed, simple carbs that are virtually empty calories. As I advise my students, Go for brown, not white, grains. Read labels. If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it. Eat whole foods. An apple does not come with a label; nature packs it with the nutrients our bodies need. Antonia Demas, President The Food Studies Institute Trumansberg, N.Y.

I was surprised that animal meat and other animal products were included in your report on healthy eating. The vegan diet is the most healthful one there is. Your body can thrive on the bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and soy. Going vegan is the best way. Laura Frisk Encinitas, Calif.

You shed no light on a key reason people eat--to satisfy emotional needs--and hence did not advise your readers on how to deal with that problem. Thomas Peischl Ellensburg, Wash.

Veggies? Does that include beansies, squashies and yammies? And presumably we are to eat our fruities also? Come on! Baby talk is O.K. up to age 3, maybe, but intelligent adults use adult language. If I read or hear veggies one more time, I'm going to barfie. Charles-Gene McDaniel Chicago

>> The broccoli-wielding woman in our cover photo struck readers in a variety of ways. "The cheeky-looking beauty offering to share her entree was a nice change from the war," wrote a man from Washington State. Less approving was a Coloradan who asked, "Were you trying to suggest that broccoli is a form of foreplay for perky twentysomethings?" Other readers couldn't get past fashion. A Chicagoan quipped, "Maybe your next issue should be about the secrets of dressing smarter. Your model appears to be stuck in the 1980s." Seconding that opinion was a New Yorker who declared, "Ask any woman--no one has worn earrings like that since 1984!"

China Blasts Off

I read about China's manned space program with interest and wonder [Oct. 20]. I grew up watching the Apollo launches and hoped that by now the U.S. would have made many more giant leaps into our solar system and beyond. The Apollo lunar program was a testament to mankind's curiosity, tenacity and intellect. But it demonstrated our competitive nature and paranoia about the Soviet Union's space program. Perhaps a little competition is what we need to give the National Aeronautics and Space Administration the proper funding. I wish the Chinese success in space. It can only help us all in this large universe. Veronica Coscia Havertown, Pa.

Does China's success in manned space flight command our respect? As long as the communist government there continues to deprive the Chinese of their basic human rights, the answer is a resounding no. It is well known that there are numerous democracy advocates, religious workers and protesters against corruption incarcerated in Chinese jails and labor camps. Whether China's space program is being developed for peace or war is yet to be seen. But freedom-loving people of the world need to be vigilant against dark forces. Timothy Ho Anaheim, Calif.

China's fledgling manned space program can benefit the world. As a science student, I think the research we do is for the advancement of all mankind, not for one particular country. Only through collaboration among all nations can we explore the areas that humans have never before reached. Chan Sin Hang Hong Kong

With its new space flight, China is hoping to join the space race as an equal partner. But in pursuing its goal of becoming a modern power, the nation that invented rockets should not forget that a space program carries a considerable cost. The money could be more wisely used on other projects. A degree of openness is required to attract the expertise and funding necessary to keep such an ambitious project on track. It is time, however, for the U.S. and its allies to see that China assumes its rightful place. The West should be willing to share power and knowledge. Keith Gregory Karawara, Australia

Analyzing Iraq

Michael Ware's report on the recruitment by the U.S. last spring of Iraqi collaborators, who were crucial to the success of the invasion [Oct. 20], suggested that some U.S. authorities knew the extent of the threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. Who in the U.S. intelligence services or government--by accident or design--exaggerated that threat and thus misled the governments and peoples of Australia, Spain and Britain? An independent public inquiry is essential to settle that question. It must be followed by U.S. actions showing that lessons have been learned from the Iraq situation. Otherwise it is less likely that any U.S. ally will again support threats of invasion, let alone war itself, on the basis of evidence provided by the U.S. Michael Lipton Brighton, England

Saddam Hussein presented a threat to the stability of the Middle East. The West needs oil to function. Wasn't it better to invade while we could outgun the Iraqis than to wait and suffer more casualties later on? At least the world is rid of a despot. And who knows how many innocent Iraqi lives have been saved? I hold no brief for Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, but I support them in this. The daily death toll of allied troops is heartbreaking, but it will be worth it in the end. Mick Timson Caistor, England

I am wondering why the president of the U.S. is trying to save people in Iraq when it is the Iraqis who are killing American soldiers. Is this worth all the pain? I suggest that the U.S. leave Iraq and let the citizens take care of themselves. Why do the Americans feel they should save the world? Imagine how scared the Iraqis would be if the U.S. pulled out. They would realize that by encouraging terrorism, they have created a monster at their own door. Ghislaine Quibel La Chartre sur le Loir, France

What will America's presidential candidates do about the host of conflicts in which the U.S. has become embroiled? Bush seems only recently to have come to the realization that he has bitten off more than he can chew--or afford, for that matter. The Administration has created a royal mess of things that I'm sure was not anticipated. Lynelle Grobler Pretoria

An Iranian Freedom Fighter

Iranian human-rights activist Shirin Ebadi has won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize [Oct. 20]. This award recognizes women's achievements in Iran--something that is refreshing and revolutionary. Ebadi went to jail to protest political repression and domestic violence and fought for women's custody rights in divorce cases (men always get custody of the children). Her achievements in Iran are inspiring because they contradict the stereotype of the oppressed Middle Eastern woman who is not assertive. Being an Iranian female, I am proud that Ebadi has set an example for all Iranian women. She will encourage others to stand up for equality in every aspect of life. Ladan Nekoomaram Noblesville, Ind.

The bricks for a pathway to peace can be laid by everyone and without violence. It is refreshing to learn about someone like Ebadi, who has so much hope for her country and religion and has the commitment to a lasting peace. Those like Ebadi, who work in ways other than war, are the ones who create real, viable cultural progress. Ebadi is an example for us all. Elena Botella Charlotte, N.C.

Limbaugh's Pill Problem

Your Milestone on conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh reported that he admitted he is addicted to prescription painkillers [Oct. 20]. Limbaugh's chickens have come home to roost. During his antiliberal diatribes, Limbaugh scorned compassion for the drug addiction of others and said people involved in illicit drug transactions should be incarcerated. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, is Limbaugh prepared to accept the consequences consistent with his own skewed principles? James Irons Miami

I wish Limbaugh the best in dealing with the challenge he faces in overcoming his addiction to painkillers. With any kind of luck, he will bypass any serious dealings with our country's criminal-justice system that could result in his doing hard time in the slammer, as do countless victims of the war on drugs. I'm sure many of Limbaugh's loyal fans are absolutely shocked that such a conservative icon would be involved with drug abuse. I doubt they have any idea how many people in their own lives--family members, co-workers and friends whom they love and respect--engage in the use of various controlled substances even as they contribute to society and lead productive lives. Limbaugh and others on the right speak of the virtues of limited government and trusting the people to run their own lives. Does that not apply here? Steve Morris Hastings, Minn.

I am disgusted by Limbaugh's hypocrisy and self-serving attitude toward his abuse of painkillers. He was able, with his millions, to get the best treatment for addiction in the country. It is important to remember that the buyer is a big part of the illegal-drug problem. If there were no buyers, there would be no sellers. Limbaugh is part of the fuel for the engine of the drug trade. Martin Siegel Destin, Fla.

Save the Fearsome Felines

Your Article "Never Trust A Tiger" told of the risks of keeping wild animals as pets [Oct. 20]. The human injuries sustained as a result of tiger attacks are negligible when compared with the mental and physical suffering of big cats. They desperately need protection from the unconscionable acts of humans. Without government intervention on their behalf, the big cats' terrible suffering will continue. Pauline Groh Athens, Ga.

Performances featuring exotic animals encourage audience members to learn and care about these animals. But show-biz acts like Siegfried and Roy's do a disservice by promoting the notion that tigers are just big, beautiful and gentle cats that can be tamed. These wild animals are never truly domesticated, and they don't belong in loud, flashy Las Vegas acts or in city apartments. Karin Bennett New York City

The recent tiger attacks come on the heels of a study done by zoologists at Oxford University that revealed that tigers and other large, roving predators show stereotypical symptoms of stress and have high rates of infant mortality when confined in zoos or safari parks. The researchers recommend against keeping these animals in captivity if adequate space can't be provided--which, of course, it usually can't be. It is no wonder these animals turn on the people who keep them locked up. Common sense tells us that exotic animals have no desire to be removed from everything that is natural to them and put on display for our amusement. Kathy Guillermo People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Norfolk, Va.

Lessons of the Recall

"The 5 Meanings of Arnold" missed the real lessons to be learned from Arnold Schwarzenegger's victory in the California gubernatorial recall election [Oct. 20]. They are that personality almost always means more than politics, that it is more important to have name recognition than to answer questions about issues and that if you are a star, the media will do anything to cover your campaign. Arnold's election was about one thing: the cult of celebrity. John Cork Los Angeles

Amid all the hubbub regarding the hows and whys of Schwarzenegger's victory, there is an overlooked explanation: he may simply represent what has been lacking in politics for a considerable while. He is a self-made man who has enough money so he never needs to ingratiate himself with the various lobbyists and political-action committees that plague our system. Instead of spending his entire career ensconced in a bureaucracy spending other people's money, he built a thriving business and career. Maybe what many voters want is someone who has actually had to live and survive in the real world that the rest of us inhabit. Schwarzenegger can certainly do no worse than the current crop of morons who hold office. Brad Hale Cambria, Calif.

We have a fiscal mess in California, and Schwarzenegger promises to apply sound business practices to identify and eliminate waste, beginning with an audit of the state's finances. One big reason we elected him Governor is that we think he will trim the fat, kick out the cronies and balance the books. Robert Louis Fisher Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Schwarzenegger appears to be the person who can find Viagra for the present impotence of California's economy. But can he balance the budget? Simple arithmetic says the tax cut he promised would further drive up the state's budget deficit. Cutting taxes will not resuscitate the state's ailing economy. Another recall? Only time will tell! Mostofa Sarwar New Orleans

Schwarzenegger may not be a very good actor, but he is a great comedian. He has the entire world laughing at the state he's going to govern. Robert J. Libutti Sinking Spring, Pa.

Who's Calling the Shots?

Joe Klein's analysis of the turf wars within the Bush White House was great [Oct. 20]. The President has lost control of his own government. The question now is, What can be done to stop the killing in Iraq? Must the soldiers wait until someone else steps in to run the U.S.? Does Bush have the power to take charge, or has he given it away already--as the U.S. Congress ceded its power in voting for the invasion? Mary Robinson Seattle

Klein wrote that vice president Dick Cheney "has been wrong too often, and now George W. Bush must decide what he wants to do about that." What a laugh to expect Bush to do anything against Cheney. That's like asking an Elvis Presley fan what to do about the King. John Philips New York City

Klein's column on Cheney and dysfunction in the Bush Administration was quite wonderful as well as saddening. The U.S. has been the torchbearer of democracy for the past two centuries. America's efforts during World Wars I and II were quite an example for others to follow and admire. After 9/11, the U.S. had the sympathy of the whole world. But what the Administration has done from 9/11 till now has only turned that sympathy into hatred and disgust. Today one wonders who's the boss in America, Bush or Cheney? It's about time Bush realized how bad the situation is. The sad part of the whole mess is that even with an Administration that has competent members like Colin Powell, Bush blindly followed the hard-liners into the pit they made for him. Majid Rauf Lahore

Picture This

Your item about letrozole, the new drug for treating breast cancer, was accompanied by a photograph of a woman whose hand and arm were strategically placed across her bare breasts [Oct. 20]. In the same issue, a story on the development of a male birth-control drug had an illustration of a man's head. Do I detect a double standard here? Next time you do a story involving male sexuality or, say, prostate cancer, I suggest you include a photo of an artistically posed male nude covering his nether regions. Fair's fair. Karen Meyers Toledo, Ohio