The Death of Communism

It makes interesting reading to compare Alexander Cockburn’s column (“A Sad Word for Radicalism Gone Rigid,” Column Left, Aug. 29) with William Pfaff’s column (“Workers of the World . . . Forgiveness!” Commentary, Aug. 28). Cockburn seems to be exactly the type of person Pfaff was writing about--someone so hypnotized by his belief that he is completely oblivious to the atrocities committed in the name of that belief. The only time he mentions a “Soviet threat” to the rest of the world, he uses it to justify the Marshall Plan! Bizarre!

I would like to learn more about the ecological conference Cockburn attended here in Los Angeles. I wonder what those “intelligent and radical” people he mentioned have in store for us?

LEE E. ECKHARDT

Newhall