Soothsayers

As a devoted reader of The Times, I was dismayed by your Jan. 5 World Report. I have always enjoyed the fine global news coverage in this supplement, and now you feature “Global Soothsayers Peer Into 1993.” A host of psychics, clairvoyants, I-Ching interpreters, palm readers, etc., all spouting nonsense with no mention in your lexicography of quacks and charlatans.

I was doubly stunned when the Business section of the same day featured an economist and an astrologer. What? Astrology is pure poppycock.

Well aware of the limitless gullibility of human beings, rational people have been struggling (and losing) the battle against the tide of superstition and ignorance for scant centuries, and now The Times gives them free press. If I want snake oil and rhino horn, I’ll buy a tabloid.

GREGG P. DURHAM

Cypress