Joycelyn Elders

Like a splash of cool water on a hot summer day, your interview (Opinion, July 9) with former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders on health concerns and logical approaches to solving them only goes to emphasize the blindness, self-delusion and lack of true responsibility of our politicians on both sides of the political spectrum. Truth and compassion are subordinated to religious bigotry, infantile nationalism and fiscal policy, promoting the continual isolation of the United States from becoming a truly global nation.

On one hand, we trumpet our title of world leader and yet on the other hand, act like cowards in the face of prompt, courageous and compassionate action on what Dr. Elders so aptly points out--that of the urgent devastating problems of poverty, population and pollution that demean the richest country in the world.

Shame on you, President Clinton! Shame on you, America, for wasting one of our country’s most courageous and clear-thinking women. Isn’t it time to encourage clear-thinking citizens like Dr. Elders, despite our own personal prejudices, for the greater good of the health and well-being of all Americans?

ROBERT WALKER

Santa Monica