To the Editor:

Re ''Mr. Ridge Goes to Washington'' (editorial, Oct. 8):

Here's an idea for Tom Ridge, the head of the new Homeland Security Council in the White House: Why not enlist the army of retirees -- the scientists, lawyers, engineers, computer specialists and expert tradespeople? Get them off their couches and golf courses and use them for surveillance, investigation and watchfulness.

Many millions of retirees are out there, ready and willing to play a useful role for homeland security.


Springfield, N.J., Oct. 8, 2001