‘Born of Fear’

I write to congratulate The Times on the inspired headline (Sept. 8), “Search for the Stalker--Unity Born of Fear.”

I’d like to point out that the “Unity Born of Fear” exhibited by the group of neighbors who helped to capture the alleged Night Stalker is equally applicable to nations fearful of nuclear war.

Fear is not necessarily cowardice, as has just been demonstrated by the individuals who apprehended the alleged stalker. Neither is there anything cowardly about the amply justified fear of a nuclear confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union.

I suggest that “Unity Born of Fear” would be the perfect slogan for the millions of people all over the world who seek to remove the threat of global nuclear destruction.

Is it too much to ask that the leaders of the two great powers, President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, have sense enough to share that fear? I pray they will achieve a unity of purpose and action.

JOHN de BLOIS WACK

Santa Barbara