LETTERS: RUST COLUMN AVOIDED THEME OF VIOLENCE

To the editor:

I write in response to Jon Rust's April 11 column concerning the National Organization for Women's Stop the Violence Rally. As a participant in the rally, I was shocked and saddened by Mr. Rust's commentary. That he neglected to address the centerpiece of this rally, the Clothesline Project, is symbolic of his complete misunderstanding of the event. Displayed at the center of the rally grounds, over 6,000 T-shirts designed by victims of such offenses as rape, incest and domestic abuse hung on lines as a testament to the survivors -- and to those who did not survive, a most onerous reality -- of violence against women.

Violence itself, as demonstrated by the experiences of women of various backgrounds, is non-partisan. Mr. Rust's own rampant political agenda, displayed by his blatant reduction of the rally's theme to his inaccurate and inappropriate critique of the rally as a political "tool," is shameful.

The majority of speakers I heard at this rally spoke about painful personal experiences of abuse, about the importance of parenthood and teaching values, about dignity and about actively stopping the rising tide of violence. This rally was not about political parties, and its most important message was non-partisan.

The political spin of Mr. Rust's column trivialized the real experiences of women around the county and the world. It also demonstrates his delinquency to maintain integrity and consistency, for Mr. Rust himself frequently criticizes the "liberal press" for distorting the truth. Mr. Rust should be ashamed of failing on both of these counts. Mr. Rust should learn to follow his own tenets: Be kind. Play fair. Respect others. I add to his list the theme this rally emphasized and what Mr. Rust trivialized: Stop the violence.

In is truly sad that Mr. Rust's political agenda limited his ability to appreciate the value of this rally and communicate its true lessons to his readers.

SUSAN BURCH

Arlington, Va.