Wednesday, December 9, 1998

Taking up for U.N.

In the Big Country it seems chic to complain about the United Nations these days. However, consider this. If the United Nations didn’t exist, there would be no sanctions on Iraqi oil. Without those sanctions, the world supply of oil would increase dramatically, driving the price even lower than its current rate.

That probably sounds good if you live in Maine and purchase heating oil with some frequency. However, if you depend on the sale of oil for your livelihood or, say, to support your state schools, the new low price tends to lose its luster, doesn’t it?

BRIAN FERGUSON

Austin

Via e-mail

Close listening

In reference to Don Tabor’s recent letter, I called KACU-FM several months ago about the “drop-outs” in the classical music played. The gentleman who received my call assured me the problem was in the communication between the remote source and the recording equipment at KACU. He expected improvement “soon.”

As Tabor pointed out, local source items, such as CDs played at the station or live traffic, do not suffer that irritating tendency to skip a note or two. Perhaps more bandwidth in the communications channel is needed.

And more of us who listen (or formerly did) need to give our opinions regarding the importance and magnitude of this intolerable problem.

When I called last Wednesday, I talked with the same gentleman. He tells me they believe the problem has been solved. Let’s listen again and see.

SCOTT SMITH

Abilene

Via e-mail

No one is guilty?

I see from the news that Mike Espy was found not guilty on all counts. One thing I do not understand is how large companies could be fined millions of dollars for giving illegal gifts, and yet no one is guilty of receiving the gifts.

Incidentally, what was the total of the fines? If my memory serves me correctly, it is close to or more than the cost of the investigation, but this does not seem to get much mention in the news.

HARRY WATSON

Cisco

Via e-mail