King Hussein

Re “Jordan Mourns King as Leaders Gather at Funeral,” Feb. 8: A wise man, well liked by most everyone in the world, compassionate to even his enemies, well-respected and admired by millions, considered one of history’s finest and greatest of leaders. King Hussein of Jordan will truly by missed by all. (President Clinton, take a lesson.)

DEANNA CARTER

Beverly Hills

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King Hussein might have been the best ruler, but still he was a ruthless dictator. America, the world’s most democratic nation and superpower, has done extremely wrong in glorifying the dictatorial rule in Jordan at the end of the 20th century. We should have taken leadership in installing a democracy in that part of the world, sacrificing our own political interest.

ZEN S. BHATIA

Ontario

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King Hussein of Jordan was a good friend to the U.S. and a good friend toward peace in the Middle East. But to the 700,000 licensed amateur radio (a.k.a. ham radio) operators in our country, he was a special friend indeed. You see, the king was also one of the most famous ham radio operators in the world and was licensed in his country with the call sign JY1. I am not one of the U.S. hams fortunate enough to have made a radio contact with him, but I know friends who have, and they treasure it. Thank you, King Hussein, for adding so much to the world of amateur radio. We say farewell by simply transmitting the number, 73.

BRUCE NOLTE, N6TFS

Pasadena