Hunting Rare Sheep

* Re John Balzar’s April 13 commentary, “Killing Rare Animals in Order to Save Them”: I was shocked at the vitriolic attack on Kenneth Behring, coupled with the anti-hunting tirade leveled at Safari Club International. To suggest that Behring’s generous gift to the Smithsonian has resulted in or contributed to the decline of America’s foremost museum is patently absurd. The gift to the Smithsonian is only one example of Behring’s generosity. He is also the moving force behind the successful Wheelchairs for the World and countless other worthwhile charities.

I am not a hunter and Behring does not need me to defend his actions. My husband is a member of Safari Club, and he and others I have met hunt in a lawful, humane manner. I am just enraged at Balzar’s snide comments.

IRENE COLEMAN

Marina del Rey

*

Kenneth Behring--does money talk? I guess it does. I’ll never hear the name of the Smithsonian’s Hall of Mammals without thinking of the callous reasoning of its namesake. And the Interior Department’s contention that killing the Argali sheep contributes to their conservation is dumbfounding. Who are these people and where are their ethics? I guess money breaks all rules of decency and wisdom. What a sadness for our country. What a sadness for our world. We are truly small people.

PAMELA STONES

Quartz Hill