RE "UNFAIR meddling in Cape Wind" (Editorial, Oct. 16): How dare you folks from off-Cape try to jam Cape Wind down our throats. The Cape and surrounding waters are a natural, historic, and visual treasure. Just as the National Seashore protects much of the outer Cape from being turned into one more strip mall, what you call the "obstructionist" Cape Cod Commission labors to slow the destruction of what remains of the Cape ("Cape Cod panel denies permit for wind farm," Page A1, Oct. 19).

I work hard to be able to live on the Cape. I do not live on Nantucket Sound, but simply having this unspoiled retreat nearby is enough.

It will be tragic if this project goes forward only to find that it is economically unviable and still requires new land-based power plants for windless days.

To those who worry about the pittance of greenhouse emissions that this abomination might save, let them support efficiency-based vehicle fees, windmills along the mid-Cape highway or the Massachusetts Turnpike (where they would be in keeping with the gargantuan signs), fusion research, or, best, population control. I say it loudly: Do what you please in your own house, but not in my backyard!

CARL G. JOHNSON
West Barnstable