Where Shops and Parks Meet

I found the Opinion page column "Savoring the Cityscape - Then and Now," June 3, very interesting. However, there is at least one notable exception to the statement that "Would-be shopping streets facing parks tend not to work..." - Princes Street, Edinburgh.

With shops on one side and gardens on the other, both can be better enjoyed. The architecture can be seen from a suitable distance, often not possible with buildings on both sides. Princes Street certainly does work, and would be even better if it were possible to restrict it to pedestrians only. John Nicholson, Leeds, England Mutual responsibility for family planning

Regarding the article "Quayle Attempts to Win Hearts of Conservatives," June 17: I completely agree on all the points the author makes. However, there is one other point to be made.

If one believes that the male and female should share equal responsibility for birth control, then how could one possibly agree with Vice President Quayle? My interpretation of what he has said is that the character of Murphy Brown acted irresponsibly, thereby setting a bad example for women. Once again the blame is placed solely on the woman.

Maybe the vice president should offer a feasible solution instead of blaming an enormous portion of our population for problems stemming from economic and social instability. Diana Burkhart, Auburn, Wash. `None of the Above'

In the article "Vote `No and `Yes' to Democracy," June 12, the authors state that the notion of placing "None of the Above" (NOTA) on the ballots has been around for a "few years." Not true.

Since the 1970s, the Libertarian Party has argued in favor of placing NOTA on all ballots. This is not the only idea which the Libertarian Party had advanced which is now being studied more seriously by policymakers. Others include drug legalization and school privatization. John Kell, Blacksburg, Va. Newsmaker Perot?

Regarding the editorial "The Perot Phenom," June 5: Ross Perot is the first person in my memory to want to take on the job of president who didn't come from a stable of political hacks. The media are all dumping on Ross Perot because he would probably be lousy copy as president. Think of it, no scandals, no coverups, and probably nothing that would provide fodder for the columnists to conjecture on.

I have been collecting signatures to get his name on the ballot and have been overwhelmed with the public response to the possibility of electing an honest man. Don Soule, Carmel Valley, Calif.