Preparing for the Worst

Re “Again, a Net of Fear Over Our Kids,” Commentary, Feb. 17: Carol Bergman puts it all too well when she states, “I remember clearly that grown-ups had plans, but I knew they couldn’t protect us; it was all a sham.” I attended PS 220 in Rego Park, Queens, in the early ‘60s. I too remember ducking and covering under my desk in my good school pants.

While the students were getting their clothes all dirty, my teacher calmly strolled around the classroom in her June Cleaver dress and perfect high-heel shoes. Even at the age of 8 or 9, I wondered, “How is this going to help if Russia were to drop an atomic bomb in Forest Hills?”

Gary Abel

Marina del Rey