Empathy for French farmers

Regarding the editorials "Against the Grain," Oct. 28, and "Back From the Trade-War Brink," Nov. 12: About one-third of the farmers in Nebraska have been forced from the land by rising costs and falling farm prices during the last 10 years. Similar statistics apply to other agricultural states. This is "progress" under the so-called free-market system? During this time agricultural-business giants such as Con-Agra of Omaha, Neb., and Cargill of Minneapolis have become bigger and richer.

I sympathize with the French farmers because, under the international free-market system of GATT, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, they will also see their numbers greatly reduced by rising costs and falling farm prices. Hank F. Bohling, Auburn, Neb.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.