Make them visible

Thank you so much for including Courtney Lancaster's article about the child soldiers in Uganda ("Child soldiers," Nov. 12). I am deeply passionate about this cause after watching the documentary Invisible Children, which was produced by a nonprofit group, at my youth group. There are so many things we can do for the children, so I encourage everyone to find out how to get involved in ending this tragedy. -Emily Corbin, 16; Apple Valley, Minn.

Big things

Congratulations to Joel Belz ("Get the big things right," Nov. 12). How enlightening it was to hear again the recitation of everyone who supported the administration's recommendation to remove Saddam-from the UN to the 2004 opposition candidate to all of those politicians with short memories and short fuses. We pray that America will continue to support the president and our troops serving and dying overseas. -David Zittlow; San Jose, Calif.

While I don't believe that President Bush deceived us, I find Mr. Belz's column very disturbing. He argues that the fact that Saddam Hussein didn't have any WMDs is not important. Like many others, I listened to Colin Powell argue before the United Nations that Hussein had these dreaded weapons. The WMD argument was absolutely crucial to the case for invasion, and the fact that they do not exist must not be glossed over. -Lawrence D. Smith; Redlands, Calif.

Mr. Belz's argument that the people of Iraq "deserved better" must ring quite hollow for the millions of Africans who have seen their populations and countries decimated by their bully leaders, and the United States has never "liberated" them. I'm not suggesting that we should interfere with African countries, nor even that it was wrong to go into Iraq, but let's admit that we are in Iraq because it is important to us strategically. -Janice Barchie; Conroe, Texas

Truth trumped

Regarding Tony Campolo's endorsement of the Good as New Bible translation ("Friendliest book in the world," Nov. 12): On the one hand he points out the relevancy of the book and on the other he states that it goes too far. His rationale for the endorsement is that he is a dear friend of the author. This seems to be a case of friendship trumping truth. -Thomas Burley; Grand Rapids, Mich.

Optional reading

Regarding Marvin Olasky's column on a reading list of history books suitable for high-school students ("History lessons," Nov. 12), I like Paul Johnson's History of the American People, although a couple of problems arise in condensing complicated issues into a small space. I also love anything written by David McCullough. Albion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer is fascinating. Also, Decision in Philadelphia by Collier and Collier is a very readable volume on the Constitutional Convention of 1787. -Patti Hobbs; Clever, Mo.

Just don't get it

In "Firm foundation?" (Nov. 12), you begin with a description of some of the liberal leanings of the National Council of Churches "for at least the past two years," as though this were something new. I remember as an elder of our church in the 1960s voting to pull our financial support from the NCC because of their leftist leanings even then. Some in the mainline churches may mean well but still don't understand the implications of the programs they support. -Ronald Everett; North Olmsted, Ohio

Smacked

Thank you for the polite smack upside the head in "Rude, mad, and smugly" (Nov. 12). Recently I got on to a message board online and was disappointed to find a self-professing Christian speaking with less love than the atheist with whom he was arguing. I hope the response I wrote showed love and respect as well as speaking truth. -Carrie Givens; Glennallen, Alaska

A true leader

As loyal Penn Staters, we thoroughly enjoyed the article on our beloved Joe Paterno ("'At least they didn't fire me,'" Nov. 12), a true leader and college football coaching great. But did you have to rub salt in our wounds and select a photo of JoePa in the Big House at the University of Michigan? -David & Christina Convis; Silver Spring, Md.

No compromiser

Your headline "No-compromise conservatives" (Nov. 12) certainly describes Jesse Helms accurately. He could always be counted on to uphold his conservative principles for his constituents, without regard to popularity or political expediency. I am not surprised that he is moved by the plight of AIDS sufferers in Africa. His faith has always been the bedrock for his beliefs. -Jake Shepherd; Newnan, Ga.

Moving

Andree Seu's articles always resonate with me. Thank you for including her heartfelt work in your excellent magazine. And thank you for sharing all of the news, even the bits that show our world's depravity. Your magazine never ceases to move me to prayer. -Jennie Nolan; Eighty Four, Pa.

I regretfully no longer trust your magazine because of some of your advertising. You are enabling the great falling away. Please cancel our subscription. -Claudia Chapman; Paradise, Calif.

Wonderful witness

Thank you so much for the wonderful tribute to Rosa Parks ("Agent of change," Nov. 5). I did not know of her background and deep faith. Clearly, she did what she did in the strength and guidance of the Lord, and to His glory, not her own. Her lifelong, faithful service is a wonderful witness of what it means to take God and His Word seriously. -Sarah Szymanski; Nashua, N.H.

Do something

Regarding your cover story about illegal immigration, "Standing in the gap" (Nov. 5): Can you appreciate the frustration these landowners must suffer? Waiting on the government to do the job has proved futile. Presidents Clinton and Bush have avoided the issue, but something should be done to safeguard this nation's borders. -Jim Payne; Yorkville, Tenn.

Stand and watch

I am 16 and love movies, which is what attracted me to "Viewers with a viewpoint" (Nov. 5). I agree that boycotting is ineffective, and I think it is important for Christians to take a stand in the movies they watch. Of this year's movie theater fare, which for me included Cinderella Man, the most recent episode of Star Wars, Batman, The Island, War of the Worlds, Serenity, and Dreamer, only the last is a movie I would freely recommend. -MaryKathryn Wiley; Hamilton, Ga.

Correction

Paul Tergat of Kenya holds the world record in the marathon of 2:04:55 (Quotables, Nov. 19).