I read Nancy Watkins’ column on shelters [“Bunker Down,” Oct. 6] with interest. When the president went on television and told Americans to build them, my father did, and thus I belonged to the only family on our block–and, no doubt, the only family in Peterson Woods–to have our own shelter in the basement. It was built of cinder block, which, upon reflection, would not have protected us from radiation. No sooner did it go in than my parents began to regret it, as it seemed that every family on the block had their own contingency plan–our house! I remember my mother talking about lying awake thinking about what she would do in the event of an attack, followed by an onslaught of neighbors seeking shelter in what could not have been more than 100 square feet. She could not imagine telling anyone no.
For at least two decades, drums of water, a flashlight and some canned goods sat down there, although the only use the space ever got was as a playroom of sorts. In later years, it was a colossal white elephant, and my father began to consider alternate uses. The most creative idea may have been sealing up the walls and filling it with water; however, the access and egress difficulties made it somewhat unattractive as a pool. When the house was sold some 35 years later, the shelter was still intact. It will remain in my memory as testament to the fear of nuclear war and the love of the parents who hoped to shield me from it.
Mary Kennedy / Cary
Eat veggies, not deer
Hopefully, humane biologists and veterinarians will be able to eradicate the “chronic wasting disease” that is besieging the Wisconsin deer population [“Laying Waste,” Oct. 6]. Marauders and deer-hunting proponents do not merit any commendation for their mass killing of the species for their bogus reasons of curtailing overpopulation and deriving nourishment from venison meat.
The deer population can be decreased via baiting feed laced with contraceptives, therewith inducing infertility. Wisconsin’s wonderful harvests of vegetables, grains and fruits can suffice in feeding the hunger of families in need.
Brien Comerford / Glenview
Over the top
The Oct. 6 cover photo is totally unnecessary to convey the seriousness of the article’s content, which is definitely of concern to all. Imagine the shock of readers who are animal lovers, squeamish or anti-hunting for any reason. You have shown extremely poor judgment and downright insensitivity.
Barbara Levie / Evanston
A sad sight
The photograph of the dead deer on the Oct. 6 cover was depressing and disgusting.
Instead of significantly lowering the deer population to “protect” them, why don’t we just shoot all of the hunters?
Joseph Daudish / Westchester
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