Letters

Oceanic Rift
John brant's reporting on the Cousteau family's fracture ("Daddy Dearest," March) was as accurate an account as I have ever seen. Beginning in 1976 and continuing for seven more years, I worked for and with Jean-Michel Cousteau in his various ventures. In 1979 I accompanied him to the Cousteau Society and was appointed coordinator of information and policy analysis. I left as the seeds of dissension were just beginning to sprout. The rupturing of the Cousteau myth teaches us that despite the slick television presentations and heroic imagery, the Captain is simply human, like the rest of us.

Dick Farley
Norfolk, Virginia

How sad to see in John Brant's article the family tragedy that I witnessed firsthand. During the time I served as director of public relations for the Cousteau Society in the early nineties, the rift between father and son was evident to the entire Cousteau Society staff. I only hope that the epic accomplishments of both Jacques and Jean-Michel will not be diminished by this publicity and that the rift between them can be repaired before it is too late.

Barbara Simpson
Morega, California

Crying Wolf
I was intrigued by the pronouncement by Fife Symington, the esteemed governor of Arizona, that the reintroduction of the Mexican wolf would "bring economic trauma to the region" ("Who's Afraid of the Mexican Wolf?" Dispatches, February). This is the same man who, after running for office as a successful businessman, declared personal bankruptcy. I suppose he should know about economic trauma, having wreaked it.

Mark Brown
Tucson, Arizona

Banishment Bites
Your January dispatches item "I was a Teenage Gilligan" warrants an apology. I am the other banished teenager--the one not interviewed by Bill Donahue. Simon Roberts's banishment failed because of his family's interference. For example, we were not allowed to have music of any sort--yet Simon, perhaps because his grandfather is a tribal judge, was provided with a radio and an antenna. I had a different experience on the island. Banishment was no camping trip for this Gilligan.

Adrian Guthrie
Steilacoom, Washington

Honeymoon Hygienics
Jack barth's interview with the Mcintyres ("A Bimonthly Bath, Penguin Porn, and Thou," January) is an inspiration for couples in search of ultimate togetherness. My wife and I spent a six-month honeymoon hiking the Pacific Crest Trail last year, and we can testify that there's nothing like TP rationing and infrequent baths to bring people closer.

Jeff Gamer
Sandpoint, Idaho

Correction: Looks like we floated a little too far. "Will the Real Colorado River Please Rise Up?" (Dispatches, April) misplaced Glen Canyon Dam; the infamous wall forms Lake Powell. Outside regrets the error.