Judge Thatcher

I must take exception to Robert B. Reich’s characterization of Judge Thatcher from “Huckleberry Finn” as one of the “great bullies of American fiction.” I refer to Reich’s article (Editorial Pages, April 8), “It’s Too Easy to Indict Rot at the Top.” April 8, 1987). I have read the novel in question at least 12 times over the years, and I’ve always believed Judge Thatcher to have been squarely on Huck Finn’s side. The real villains are Huck’s father (whom the judge opposes in court) and the infamous King and Duke.

An indifferently reasoned essay such as Reich’s is not made more credible by errors of fact such as this.

CLINTON R. HICKS

Hollywood