Ethics for Government

“General Dynamics: A Laboratory for Ethics” (Viewpoints, Dec. 29) could be a milestone for the aerospace industry. Earl Cheit should carry his helpful advice to the prime practitioner of ethical misconduct--the U.S. government.

As he may be aware, it was President Harry S. Truman’s Secretary of the Air Force Stuart Symington who tried to force Northrop Aircraft out of business when Northrop refused his demand to merge with the predecessor to today’s General Dynamics.

“Lead by example”--indeed.

HENRY ECKERT