Chromosome 22

Your Dec. 2 front page was a fascinating reminder: eight stories about dissent and controversy--WTO’s problems, Seattle protesters, Gingrich unpopular, Arafat tyrannous, law firm defending itself on Belmont, Green Bay police messing up, L.A. police in Rampart frame-ups, Supreme Court and tobacco--and one positive story about decoding chromosome 22.

That lineup reminded me why I’m glad I chose a career in medical research (after trying missile design for a few years): Science seems like the only cheerful, progressive game in town!

DON WALTER

Los Angeles