Gen. Shalikashvili

* Re “Polish-Born General Picked to Head Joint Chiefs,” Aug. 12:

Shall we take it as an example of Gen. John M. Shalikashvili’s “candor” that he finds himself “comfortable” with the new “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy where gays in the military are concerned? What, in the long run, is new about it?

Of course the general is comfortable. One does not rise from non-com to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by showing any discomfort with policies and traditions of the brass at any point along the way. You do it by the numbers or not at all.

Talk about “finding a home in the Army.” Wonder how he feels about married Marines? I once had a most candid top sergeant. He was the most candid bigot I’ve ever known. Candor is not necessarily refreshing.

FRED SCIFERS

Downey

* I am not a politician, but somebody should say it! He’s surely no Colin Powell!

ROBERT J. HAMILTON

Pomona