GOOD GUYS FINISH LAST

On April 29, about 15,000 students belonging to choral groups from most of the 50 states, China, Mexico, Australia and Canada performed -- in the rain -- on 20 stages around the Washington Monument as part of a celebration called "America Sings." It was the culmination of a year of performances and fund-raisers by these groups in an effort to benefit homeless children.

At a time when so much attention is given to those who are selfish, destructive and addicted, don't the voices of 15,000 decent young people count? Shouldn't they be encouraged instead of ignored? Where was George Bush? Mayor Marion Barry? Mitch Snyder? William Bennett? The Washington Post? (At least the local TV stations were gracious enough to give 30-second coverage on their late news.)

Our leaders talk about seeking solutions to society's problems, but they ignore positive actions that try to make this a "kinder, gentler" nation. What a far-reaching effect a "pat on the back" by some of our nation's top leaders might have had. It's time the good guys got some recognition. -- Patricia Wearmouth

I was disappointed by your coverage of the Christmas in April Project, a human-interest story you put inside the Metro section {April 30} .

Your story was really about one woman, and it did not give coverage to the year-long effort made by so many people in planning and obtaining materials for this project. Thousands of potential volunteers might have learned more about the project from your coverage.

You carry news about something bad for days, but when 5,000 people give up a day to do hard physical work for needy people you barely mention it.

-- Joanne Mitchell

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