In their minds

I was shocked when I read about the pro-Churchill protesters and what they did during the prayer vigil ("Big mouth on campus," March 12). They were talking about how everyone should have freedom of speech, but apparently in their minds Christians can't pray in public. On the other hand, Ward Churchill can use his freedom of speech to say those horrible things about the 9/11 victims. I was impressed that the students who attended the prayer vigil had such self-control when the protesters were interrupting. -Hannah Griffin, 12; Lilburn, Ga.

I loved the photo you used in the article about Ward Churchill. His open mouth says it all. What a piece of work. I wonder if he would really like to live in a country that has no grace. -Kathryn L. McCracken; Sedalia, Colo.

My first impression of your March 12 cover was that it was Maude Frickert. Would that Ward Churchill were as harmless as the classic Jonathan Winters character. -Stefan A.D. Bucek; San Jose, Calif.

Mission failure

Parents often feel comfortable sending their kids to a Christian college or university ("Mission to blue America," March 12) but it isn't a guarantee of moral or values protection, as we discovered after sending our daughter to an expensive, well-known Christian university. -Jim Alan; Glendale, Calif.

Reconsider

"Bringing up Baby" and "Euthanasia's Roe v. Wade" (March 12) should make every reader consider the sanctity of life. The value of human life is not based on our health, earning power, size, intelligence, age, or location but on the fact that we are created in the image of God. Abortion has already murdered over 40 million human beings. How many lives will euthanasia add to this number if it is made legal? -Frank Nolton; Ortonville, Mich.

As a Christian nurse working with critically ill people, I am shocked and angered by the decisions of family members to "do everything" to keep their loved ones alive. Using technology to extend people's suffering is often tantamount to torture. Our desire for life is so strong that we fear death as the worst thing that could happen, but I am not afraid of death. Christ took that away. People often need to let go of their loved ones and entrust them to God's care. -Karen Wallace; Pottsville, Pa.

Your review of Million Dollar Baby portrayed the movie as sad and hopeless, which it was. However, it is not a useless film that none of us should see. It offers a chance to speak about the hopelessness of life without Christ. -Christopher Jackson; Bedford, Texas

Too little

When Medical Savings Accounts first hit Congress, I asked my local representative for a copy-then promptly threw it in the trash ("Cashing out," March 12). I did the calculations and for me the required insurance plus deposits came out costing more than vanilla insurance, and for lower-quality coverage. Unfortunately, thanks mostly to greedy lawyers, the cash price of medical care is increasingly unaffordable due to other expenses. SimpleCare is a fine idea, just too little, too late. -Tom Pittman; Bolivar, Mo.

Destructive delay

"Broken communion" (March 12) raises yet another issue concerning the Anglican Communion: the delay of necessary ecclesiastical confrontation. The 1998 Lambeth Declaration clearly established the need for a confrontation, yet there will be no conclusive action until 2008 or beyond. Ten years is a long time to decide what to do about flagrant insubordination to biblical truth. As a Baptist observer, I hope that other non-Anglican evangelicals will note the destructiveness of inordinate delay. -David Hayton; Martin, N.D.

A good writer

As one who has taken several SAT and AP prep-courses during high school, I really appreciate "No. 2 pencil blues" (March 12), yet I disagree strongly with the idea that a timed essay is not an accurate measure of a good writer. Certainly the writing that one can churn out in 25 minutes is not going to be as good as the results of having a day or two to work on it, but the principles of good writing are still the same. A good writer will be able to use those principles no matter the time constraint. -Rachel Horton; Weatherford, Texas

Impossible

The appropriate size of the cotton subsidies may be debatable ("Cotton fleece," March 12), but with cotton harvesters costing $250,000 each and land going for over $3,000 per acre, it is impossible to survive at today's world cotton prices. I assume that your reporter and economist know what to do with the failed cotton farmers and unemployed textile industry workers if the subsidies are eliminated. -Elmer Hubers; Pantego, N.C.

Minnesota Man

Meeting Mark Kennedy last summer solidified my view of him as a resolute social and fiscal conservative. Hugh Hewitt is right ("Shades of red," March 12): Mr. Kennedy is the man to turn our state from light blue to light red. -Andrew Johnson, 18; Burnsville, Minn.

Or nothing

In 1996 I purchased a 10-year membership in AARP for $45, thinking that it had to be worth that or nothing ("Old school battle," March 12). Since then I have used none of its goods or services and recoil at the leadership's stance on Social Security and Medicare. Obviously, I will not renew. -Virginia Johnston, 82; Millpoint, Wis.

Finally, with USA Next, someone to compete with AARP. I have been a member since 1986 but knew I was up against a monster with no alternatives. The last straw was its position on Social Security. -G.R. Wright; Grand Rapids, Mich.

How to help

Your March 5 issue was outstanding, from the incisive articles on "Booting big government" to the column by Marvin Olasky ("How to hurt evangelism"). I was also encouraged by the possibility that the North Korean government may have begun regime change ("Room with a view"). Many of us can support our Reserve and National Guard troops right at home ("Can't count the days"). The report on the faith-at-work movement raises exciting hopes ("In good company"). In WORLD I look for the chance to pray about those things the Lord has begun. You gave me a big assignment. -Jerry Arnold; Bend, Ore.

Regarding "How to hurt evangelism": Some leaders from my church, Trinity Presbyterian, have met monthly with an "opposition group," in this case, the largest abortion provider in the area. The "Blue Moon" group has established rapport with the doctor who performs abortions and several members of her staff who felt isolated and in danger. Members of the abortion group have expressed their gratitude for the friendship that they sense is genuine. Progress is slow, but I hope this will pay higher dividends than we have reaped from our "in-your-face" protests. -Clarke McIntosh; Asheville, N.C.

Send letters to: Editorial Dept., WORLD, P.O. Box 20002, Asheville, NC 28802; e-mail mailbag@worldmag.com; or fax (828) 253-1556. Include full name and address. You're also invited to join the daily discussion at worldmagblog.com.