LETTERS
Biased review?

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The review of The Reckless Mind: Intellectuals in Politics ("Investigations," June/02) inadvertently proves a fact as interesting as the book's premise: the moral blindness of those who criticize "left" intellectuals. The review's examples are taken entirely from the list of official enemies of the United States and leave out any reference to crimes committed by the United States or states acting with U.S. approval.

For example, where is the outrage over the intellectuals who supported the Vietnam War, a war that resulted in 2 million Indochinese deaths; or those who supported brutal fascist dictatorships that freely engaged in torture and murder (e.g. Chile, the Philippines, Guatemala, etc.); or Israel's brutal treatment of the Palestinians? It seems that some victims are more useful than others.

It is indeed true that intellectuals can support "bad politics" and this review proves it, although not in the sense intended.

James E Archer, SM'69
Portland, Oregon

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None of the reviews of Lilla's book, including yours, has encouraged me to read it. I think of all the minds of lesser accomplishment who stand better accused than those selected by Lilla. It makes me wonder if his problem is with original thinkers, since his account of them is at such variance with my understanding of what they taught/teach. Rather he seems to just offer another excuse to avoid close reading.

Rex J. Styzens, MB'59
Long Beach, California

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