Mailbag

Be aware

You report that the MS-13 gang is the fastest-growing domestic crime threat ("Coming to a neighborhood near you," June 18). I agree with Sgt. J.W. Estes, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, about how the whole community needs to be aware of these malicious gangs. The United States borders need to be under tighter security and immigration laws need to be more strictly enforced in order to secure the safety of Americans. -Will Owen; Wilmington, N.C.

The cover image was grotesque and frightening and definitely not suitable for children. What would you have lost from the excellent story if you had used a milder cover picture? -David Bunn; Salinas, Calif.

Reverse the quirk

Were it not for your article ("Double jeopardy," June 18), I would not have realized the significance of an item in our local paper about a recent court decision. It described how the Adams County school district, one of the poorest in Ohio, lost its suit over Ten Commandments monuments at four high schools, and as a result is on the hook for as much as $100,000 in legal fees to be paid to the ACLU. Thank God Rep. John Hostettler is working to reverse the evil "quirk," as you called it, in the 1976 federal civil-rights law. -Stu Mahlin; Cincinnati, Ohio

In the little things

Churches that cannot recognize and stand up against spoiled children, selfish adults, gossips, overbearing leaders, and unbiblical teachings cannot fight against gross sins like adultery ("New holy lands," June 18). With God's help, we must repent and strive for holiness. -Mie McCaffrey; Butte, Mont.

Risk it

Joel Belz questions the wisdom of novices attacking facts and disseminating the resulting opinions as "news" ("End of elitism," June 18), and he suggests that such exercises should be left to the experts steeped in the rigorous disciplines of journalistic traditions. The same argument is made against homeschooling and school choice, and fear of heresy has at times chained the Bible to the pulpit. Heresy, ignorance and, yes, even mediocrity may come but, given the alternatives, I'll take my chances with media democracy. -Brenda Huber; Lancaster, Pa.

I was disappointed in "End of elitism." America needs more media options, not less. In our free-market economy, the readers, viewers, and dollars will still flow toward excellence. -Dan Lohrmann; Grand Ledge, Mich.

Applaud and act

The band Jars of Clay wants to give to more Africans blood, free of HIV, and water, free of deadly parasites ("Open jars," June 18). It's far too easy to applaud their efforts and then go back to our easy chairs. I will support their efforts with action and hope others will do the same. -Brenda Koinis; Houston, Texas

Predator

The male Sunday school teacher who had affairs with 10 out of 30 of his married female students in three years was not a model illustration of how adultery can be a woman's problem ("Secret sin," June 18). This guy was obviously a sexual predator who utilized his position of spiritual authority as a springboard to "easy action." -Erica Heisler; Galloway, Ohio

Life-changers

Thank you for "Home improvement" (June 18). Previously over spring break, our youth group would take a ski trip to Colorado. However, the past two years have been spent in Mission, Texas, and Reynosa, Mexico, working to help churches and families in that area. Through my own experiences there, I can say that a missions trip is truly a life-changing event. -Tim Rooker, 17; Kennedale, Texas

Better than

I was pleasantly surprised to find an article relating to my home state of Nebraska in the June 18 issue ("Vanishing species"). I have been much happier with Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson's work than with the man he replaced in 2000. -Nathan Vieth; Martell, Neb.

Darwin was there

Charles Darwin's work may not have made the Human Events list of the 10 most harmful books ("No Freud, no Darwin?" June 18), but he was there. The influence of his writings on Karl Marx and Adolf Hitler is well documented and certainly appeared in their writings. -Wayne Yoder; Harrisonburg, Va.

Shaken

"Seventeen minutes" (June 11) is a masterpiece. Mrs. Seu wrote it from a woman's viewpoint, but the problem she described is not just a woman's problem, it is a human problem. Thank you for correcting me where I needed it. -Allen Brooks; Sheridan, Wyo.

The piece on adultery ("You were available," June 4) was powerful and "Seventeen minutes" was painful in its exposure of our unredeemed thought patterns. The way Andree Seu's writing sweeps me along and the impact of her points make me feel like I've just survived a car accident: shaken and exhilarated. -Kate Hendrix; Knoxville, Tenn.

Movie on fire

Thank you for your positive review of Man on Fire ("Vengeance, without romanticism," June 11). In my opinion it was one of the best movies of 2004 because of its captivating plot and incredible acting from Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, and because of the positive way it portrays the Bible. -Paul Hufford, 19; Anchorage, Alaska

Up to date

Only Gene Edward Veith could write a favorable review of The Simpsons and be taken seriously by devout evangelical Christians ("Fair or foul?" June 11). My wife and I banished The Simpsons from our home in the early 1990s, so I have not kept abreast of the show's developments over the years. Thanks to Mr. Veith for bringing me up to date. -Mark R. Hettler; Bordentown, N.J. I'm a new reader this year. I've enjoyed every issue, but now I want to cancel my subscription. I am utterly appalled by your recent article on The Simpsons. -Gail Everett; Greenville, S.C.

Please renew my subscription. I am pleased with the many articles that encourage engagement in the culture rather than retreat from the world. -Susan Albers; Zionsville, Ind.

Baffling

We who are in Christian education applaud Mr. Belz for his insightful column, "Leaving the back door open" (June 4). We have the privilege of seeing the transformation every year of students' minds and character to a biblical viewpoint and godly standard. Why so many Christian parents don't seek this for their own children is baffling. -Jim Arcieri; Chesapeake, Va.