David Brower

Re “David Brower, Crusader for the Environment, Dies at 88,” Nov. 7: Thank you for your sensitive article on the life and passing of David Brower. Brower is an excellent example of the conundrum of the warrior--a terror to his foes and sometimes to his friends as well. Because we need such warriors on the battlefield, we must take care to accommodate them behind the lines.

STEVE MILLER

San Diego

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In the lengthy obituary of environmental giant Brower there was no mention of the motivation behind his last great act of principle, that of resigning from the Sierra Club board last May. He chastised the club’s leadership for not taking a strong stance on U.S. population growth and immigration. “Overpopulation is perhaps the biggest problem facing us, and immigration is part of the problem. It has to be addressed.”

Last January’s Census Bureau projections estimate that with constant levels of immigration our population, which grew from 200 million to 275 million between 1970 and 2000, will add 300 million in this century. If Congress continues to vote increases in quotas, we could grow to 1 billion. Is anyone listening?

B. MEREDITH BURKE

Santa Barbara

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I was fortunate to meet Brower last September at the annual Yosemite Assn. meeting. Even though he was frail from his illness, he still was passionate about the environment. Like John Muir before him, Brower has made a difference. We need to carry on his work.

JOSEPH H. MacDONALD

Long Beach