Cockburn

* Alexander Cockburn has been called “the last Stalinist,” and this certainly seems accurate to me. A minor part of his April 20 commentary is the story of a woman named Firebird who has climbed a tree and placed a noose around her neck to prevent anyone from opening a gate below. “If the loggers or their allies launch an attack, Firebird is in imminent danger of being hanged,” Cockburn crows.

I can only say I wish it were Cockburn instead of Firebird up in that tree. On second thought, the image of Cockburn with a noose around his neck, as appealing as it is, is not the fate I would choose for him. Alas, tar and feathers are no longer considered a proper remedy for scoundrels. In the case of Cockburn--and people named Firebird sitting in trees with ropes around their necks--it should perhaps be resurrected.

JAMES F. GLASS

Chatsworth