19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

Sir:
In tabulating the 19TH HOLE comments on the swimsuit issue it is interesting and gratifying to note that of the 29 published statements, 16 were anti-swimsuits and 13 were pro. Of the antis, eight were from males.

These statistics squelched my husband's argument that only middle-aged wives would object to such a shameful display of flesh.

Add me to the list of objectors.
CATHERINE G. LANK
Wilmington, Del.

Sir:
I have just read the letters from the people commenting on your swimsuit issue, and it seemed as though all the young, hip people were for it and that only the conservative, older readers were against it (i.e., parents not wanting their kids to see it, a reverend, a librarian). Come on! There are many young, educated people who also thought the article offensive. Please stick to sports.
FRAN WICKNER
San Francisco

Sir:
Allow me to join the group of people who took the time to write regarding your swimsuit issue.

Total disgust! I usually pass on my copies of SI to my young friends, but the nearest garbage can sure got that issue—and I might add that the garbage may also get other issues. Clean up your magazine. Americans do not need any more dirty magazines, so why ruin a great sports magazine?
A. C. MARTIN
Houston

Sir:
This year I feel you have gone too far. Let us decent people have a say as to what comes into our homes. I don't subscribe to any girlie magazines and was very much offended by your almost nude swimsuit pictures, which had nothing to do with sports. A classy sports magazine certainly doesn't need to stoop so low.
HELEN MODLICH
Galloway, Ohio

Sir:
I recently asked the mother of one of my adolescent patients if she had any objection to the contents of your annual swimsuit issue. She replied, "I'd rather my son looked at pictures of women in bathing suits than a quarterback being flattened by a couple of big bruisers." Amen.
SCOTT K. SOKOL, M.D.
Floral Park, N.Y.

Sir:
Re the annual swimsuit issue. Wow! It even livens up things around here.
GEORGE W. LITTLE JR.
President
Rose Hill Cemetery
Owensboro, Ky.

INDOOR SPORT
Sir:
Three cheers for recognizing indoor soccer as a major sports attraction (They Get Their Kicks on a Hockey Rink, Feb. 18). I recently took seven of my team's soccer players to an indoor game at Philadelphia's Spectrum, and we fell in love with the action as the Fever defeated the Buffalo Stallions. I can't exactly explain why the game is so popular—unless of course you count the nonstop, fast-break, never-a-dull-moment action! It's a great way to enjoy the world's No. 1 sport indoors. I'm looking forward to the MISL playoffs.
RICK FAVINGER
Morgantown, Pa.