keep their sights trained on the principal target and not waste ammunition taking pot-shots at us Southerners, sinful and ignorant though we may be.

Editor's Note:

Mr. D.

Charleston, South Carolina

As a native from the Deep South and very excercized about his homeland Mr. McIntire indeed spoke with less restraint than any of us outsiders would have presumed to do. Dear Editor:

Part Two of "Gentle Sir" (March, 1963) is surely the greatest piece of Gay poetry to come out in a long time, but so damn true and real, so close to the truth, so frustrating, that the entire piece of art stands naked without any tinsel. I have recorded this poem in stereo with a tremendous musical background and have spent many an evening listening to my own somewhat dramatic but soapy and emotional voice. Mr. A.

Dear Friends:

Burlington, Vermont

The May Magazine read and, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed, especially the article by Frank C. Wood. The article on "The New Naziism" is good and contains much truth, but I sometimes fear for one thing. It seems that some are too inclined to develop a sort of exaggerated police phobia, in which state of mind the police are the very embodiment of all evil, the beginning and the ending of all brutal schemes and rank injustices.

It must be remembered that the job of the police is a difficult, or impossible one, at best. They are placed between officialdom and the public-and often squarely between opposing factions of the public. Of them everything is demanded and credit for good is seldom granted. If they shoot, they are murderers; if they don't, they are cowards.

It goes without saying that there are men on police forces who enjoy going out of their way to trouble the Gay set, but it seems at the same time a very safe bet that every organized campaign against homosexuals has had its roots much deeper than with the boys who do the dirty work. Gay life here seems relatively trouble-free, as nearly as I can tell from my somewhat aloof perch-I don't patronize bars or attend parties much. much. A newly opened bar nearby is attracting great crowds on weekends, with cars parked for blocks around.

The folks I meet seem delighted and gloomily prophesy that it is too good to last. I haven't heard of any trouble so far though. Percentagewise it seems to me this area has fully as many Gay folk as any other in the larger cities of the North and West. Mr. W.

Houston, Texas

READERS ON EDITORS

Dear Friends:

I can well understand the difficulties of your situation, for I have a background in journalism and know what the usual needs. are to meet publishing costs. I am at present on the staff of a non-profit organization which must depend for its total income upon the voluntary support of members and friends and therefore has rather consistently had to continue its operations under the burden of a backlog of unpaid bills.

This likewise calls for great sacrifices on the part of staff members, who in addition. are called upon to lend financial support. So I have an appreciation and concern for your situation. There are times, of course, when I feel the contents of the Magazine could measure up to a higher standard, but this is a minor criticism in the light of the total service you are performing. Mr. H. Washington, D.C.

Dear ONE:

One of your appeals suggested that if ONE had a larger income it could improve its quality by enticing better artists and writers to contribute. Absurd!

In the first place, I see nothing wrong with the Magazine now, though I admit that a few big names on the cover would likely stimulate newsstand sales and hence permit our message to reach a larger public. But the best writers don't think primarily of money; they write because they think they have something significant to say and because they have an urge to say it well.

Many of the best writers have at least touched on the Gay theme and I imagine that many, even the straightest, have at least one Gay story lying around unpublished. I suggest that ONE fans write to their favorite authors (in care of their publishers) telling them about ONE and asking them to contribute a story.

The same goes for artists. I know that Picasso, for instance, has done some rather Gay drawings and lithographs. Has anyone actually asked Picasso to contribute a gratis cover design for ONE?

Mr. H. Lubbock, Texas

TO ONE'S SOCIAL SERVICE DIVISION: THANKS Dear Sir:

Sometime ago I called you and asked you for the address of a lawyer. I wish to thank you for the information. The trial will be at the end of June at which time I will call and let you know the result.

Mr. P.

Los Angeles, California

31