The Editor, Sir:

Reading Heather Robinson's December 29 commentary, 'Courage of the Jamaican woman', I couldn't help but wonder if her intent was to commend overweight women for exuding confidence by strutting around in clothing three, four, or five times below their normal sizes. I think a more appropriate suggestion would be to advocate a public flogging, or at least a strong rebuke, for such women.

These women, who are well over their ideal weight, should be encouraged to shed the fat, not flaunt it! They are not conveying confidence, but rather shameless-ness. Here's a proposition for these women: How about putting down that Kentucky fried chicken and picking up a salad? Instead of swashbuckling down the public street, hoping to provoke 'sexy' remarks that they misconstrue for compliments, how about taking a frequent walk on an exercise machine?

I am, etc.,

R. GERMAIN

rcgerm@optonline.net

Elmont, New York

Via Go-Jamaica