An Exercise in Arithmetic

Some very simple logic destroys the credibility of the article on the Life Chain demonstration published on Jan. 21. For example, it reports that “3,000 to 4,000 people gathered . . . forming a 5-mile zigzag . . . standing about six feet apart . . .” An exercise in third-grade arithmetic reveals that one or more of the following facts must have been true: 1. There were a lot more than 4,000 people involved and/or 2. They were standing more than six feet apart and/or 3. The chain was considerably less than five miles.

In addition, the picture on page B4 shows the demonstrators standing virtually shoulder to shoulder and two and three deep.

Perhaps you need to acquaint yourself with The Times’ commitment to confine opinion to the editorial pages.

BILL WADDLE, Simi Valley