Where Neo-environmentalism will lead us --- The Earth Yes, But People No?

Joseph Rago's piece "A Planet Without People" (Taste: de gustibus, June 20) says exactly what I have come to believe. The environmentalists' true wish is for all the unenlightened masses to disappear and leave the earth to those who can truly appreciate it. Sadly, they haven't yet found a method for eliminating humans selectively.

Meanwhile, look for more and more social pressure, and possibly laws, to limit the number of children couples can have. Elimination of the unfit (mentally ill, physically handicapped or simply old) will be examined, and seen as a humane solution to many of our problems. Suicide will be regarded as a sacrificial act. We are in danger of being brainwashed into a culture of death.

Mary Harrison
Newport News, Va.

From the Wall Street Journal July 3, 2008 letters section