Buckling under

Although I believe that, as a society built on Christian morals, we must be good Samaritans, many hospitals are buckling under the growing price tag of caring for the border hoppers ("Stealth care," Sept. 16). This affects all of us, as we must unfairly shoulder the weight of this price tag. If Mexico does not help control the border, hospitals should be able to send the bill for these people directly to the Mexican government. -Christopher Lampman; Lexington, S.C.

Hospitals have always carried the burden of poor people who cannot pay and use emergency rooms as the office of their family doctor. How much of a burden do immigrants add to what is already imposed by the poor? What has the North American church done about the medical needs of the poor who are citizens, much less the poor south of the border? -Rod Heggy; Oklahoma City, Okla.

Most of us in America have a roof over our head, a warm place to sleep, plenty of food on the table, and much more. At a time when the global community is condemning us for our self-interest, what a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our benevolence and generosity by caring for the sick and poor who are streaming to our borders. -John Longmire; Quarryville, Pa.

Well done

I found it appalling that some in our country would stoop so low as to invite the former Iranian president to speak (The Buzz, Sept. 16), yet in a later article we read about Brittany McComb, who as high-school valedictorian could not speak of her beliefs in her speech ("Speaking her mind," Sept. 16). You can rest assured that Khatami spoke about "Allah" quite comfortably. So to Brittany I say, "Well done." May more of our youth pick up the standard and raise it high in Christ's name. -Donnie Parlett Jr.; Edgewater, Md.

The Foothill High School officials who robbed Brittany McComb of her constitutionally guaranteed right to testify freely behind their podium have shown themselves to be defiant hypocrites. They would never have dared to censor Brittany had she been a Muslim. They're simply anti-Christian. -Donald McKay; Saint Francis, Minn.

Forgotten mission field

Thank you for "Special delivery" (Sept. 16). As a parent of a child with learning disabilities, I can say from experience there are very few options in education, especially for schools that teach a Christian worldview. Higher-functioning special-needs students, who might become independent, often suffer the ravages of low self-esteem from academic failure, misunderstanding from teachers not trained to deal with their particular disability, and social rejection from peers. Educating volunteers to teach special-needs children in church programs and schools and offering outreach would bring great comfort and support to families who need it. These students are truly America's forgotten mission field. -Angela Valmus; North Charleston, S.C.

Culture warrior teens

I was very impressed with "Blogging teens" (Sept. 16). It is wonderful to see the spotlight shining on the faces of six homeschooled young people who sacrifice their time and energy in order to make a difference in today's culture. -Bethany Wagar, 16; Troy, Ohio

It's so encouraging to realize that there are others out there who have the same worldview as me. I'm 18 years old and it's great to have some positive peer pressure for once. It's so much easier to do the right thing when you know others are fighting the same battle with the same goal. -Michael Henreckson; Hillpoint, Wis.

After viewing the blogs mentioned in "Blogging teens," I am convinced that those teens are smarter than many adults. I found their writing interesting, well thought out, and more persuasive than many articles in "real" publications. -Frederick Doe; Katy, Texas

The right question

Regarding Ross ("Give and take," Sept. 16), who "lives in a tiny trailer with a 20-year-old son, a 16-year-old daughter, her 19-month-old baby, and an 18-year-old daughter who's expecting a baby this month": Can anyone say, "Personal accountability"? -Joseph Badger; Peninsula, Ohio

Hurtful and hypocritical

As a Georgetown University senior and a member of InterVarsity, I would point out that none of the groups that were denied official status received any funding from the university ("Hoya crackdown," Sept. 16). There were some material losses through the issue of club privileges, but the greater loss is the lack of recognition. Georgetown has repeatedly espoused values of religious dialogue, diversity, and tolerance. To abruptly end long-standing relations with student-led groups that did not spread intolerance, met all restrictions, and communicated through proper channels is disrespectful, hurtful, and hypocritical. -Stephanie Brown; Washington, D.C.

Living and powerful

"Meekness of Moses" (Sept. 16) was interesting and informative. I would say that an entire class hour devoted to reading and studying Scripture is as much a foot in the door as brief Bible readings and prayer were in the days when they were compulsory. Second, a flattened commentary on the Scriptures will not diminish the power of the Word of God. It is living, powerful, and will accomplish exactly what God intends, read or studied in any setting. And students will exercise an option about what it has to say; people do that in churches every Sunday. -J. Douglas Hallman ; Snydertown, Pa.

Spiritedly numinous

Andrée Seu is delightful. Her insight into the work of the Spirit, fleshed out by relating Susan Baker's story, was revealing to those of us who feel some discomfort with any emphasis on the "Spirit life" but recognize its centrality to our Christian life ("Slouching toward the comfort zone," Aug. 5). C.S. Lewis used the word numinous to describe this important part of our Christian life and understanding. -Marlin Johnson; Bismark, N.D.

Time management morality

Thank you for the reminder that our daily stewardship of time and energy is a very spiritual issue as well as a moral one ("Invisible monkeys," Aug. 26). We cannot hear the whisper of our Lord's voice so well or feel the prompting of the Spirit when we are weighed down by material and temporal demands we have neglected or mismanaged. -Elizabeth Edgren; Sandnes, Norway

Unjustified

Regarding your column and article about the Iowa court decision concerning Prison Fellowship's InnerChange Freedom Initiative program ("Wanted: Judges like Solomon," "Help on the inside," Aug. 12): I got the impression that you felt the ruling was somewhat justified. You left unchallenged the assertion that the program "constitutes an illegal establishment of religion by the state." Where were the interviews with Christian legal groups who would disagree with that position? Such rulings are possible only because law schools and groups like the ACLU have successfully spread their misinformation about the Constitution. -Elaine Boniface; Hackettstown, N.J.

Keep 'em coming

I really enjoy WORLD. I admit I've slowed down but I try to keep up with current events worldwide. I'm 97 with osteoarthritis in my knees, but my mind is active and my health is good. So keep WORLD coming and the Christian emphasis vibrant. -Norma Ang; Rockford, Ill.

We receive WORLD through our local church and it has been instrumental in shaping our worldview. Thank you for such an excellent resource. -Lyndon & Melissa Hodges; Aledo, Ill.

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