Letters

Paul Light's discussion of Sean O'Keefe's personnel woes at NASA ("Earth to NASA," The Last Word, September) avoids one important point. Forty years ago engineers and scientists could regard themselves as very special people: They were in the elite 10 percent to 15 percent of the population with college degrees; they were well paid and seldom unemployed; their work was interesting, intellectually demanding and generally viewed as important to the nation's well-being; and many could expect promotions to management.

None of this is true today. If there is any lesson that technologically oriented people have learned, it is that their fate-and the nation's-rests not in their hands but in those of lawyers, lobbyists and hard-nosed businessmen. Technical careers are no longer attractive. College students are more interested in business management.

None of O'Keefe's proposed reforms will change this situation. In fact, his emphasis on such things as financial incentives and fast-tracking of staff to management positions-treating scientists and engineers less as professionals-will lead to even lower morale at NASA and further reduce its program effectiveness.

Mike Shupp
Los Angeles

The article, "Green Troops" (October), was most enlightening. While serving at Fort Lewis, Wash., I saw how well the Army manages the environment and wildlife. Our folks did outstanding work in dealing with the western sage grouse at the Yakima Training Center and the spotted owl at Fort Lewis. However, the Army couldn't stop the encroachment of development near the installations. The wildlife naturally gravitated to areas inside the gates where they were safe and had a food supply.

The military is spending untold dollars on environmental remediation. But at what point does the greater good of a trained and ready military take precedence?

Col. John F. Melia (retired)
Wilmington, N.C.