Now we know

Joel Belz's article, "Vote early, and often" (Nov. 25) reminded me of the time I explained to my Czech friends that identification is not necessary to vote in American elections-in my case, with an absentee ballot. They were incredulous: "What kind of system do you have there?" Now we all know. - Gary Rickard, Prague, Czech Republic

No way

Mr. Belz's identification of the most basic flaws in our voting procedures is the core issue. To regulate the voting process vigorously is to take away the ability to manipulate it. If Mr. Gore had won Florida on the first recount, I would have been sad but I would have accepted it. However, under the circumstances, I will not be able to accept him in anything but form as my president. Mr. Clinton is an embarrassment; Mr. Gore and the people who surround him are a disgrace. - Bruce L. Gittinger, Fairfax, Va.

Al the way

I must respectfully object to the biased terms you use in the Nov. 25 issue: "A legal coup?" and "stealing" the election? George W. Bush may indeed be our next president, but don't forget that Al Gore might have won Florida if not for a confusing ballot in Palm Beach. If Mr. Bush is our next president I will stand behind him, but I will always know in my heart that Al Gore really won this election. - Alan Light, Iowa City, Iowa

Stand with integrity

As a high-school freshman who has been following the election closely, I appreciated Mr. Olasky's insight ("Meek or weak?" Nov. 25). Mr. Bush should fight harder, because as a Christian with integrity he needs to stand for what is right, and abide by the laws in Florida and in our nation. - Nick Allen, Anaheim, Calif.

Lazy

"Meek or weak" was right on the money. Christians need to understand the difference between meekness and just plain spiritual laziness. Most Christians I've talked to about this election are either ignorant of the role biblical principles played in this country's history or too scared to stand up for what is right and risk being called "intolerant." Instead this group mutters a few "forgiveness" platitudes and refuses to get their hands dirty by speaking out against Satan's lies. - Steve Fogler, Tucson, Ariz.

One is too many

Regarding Pete DuPont's observations about the geographic correlation of Gore support and pornography sales in "It's the culture, stupid": Why must Mr. Veith stoop to the level of Paul Begala, a Democratic spokesman who, in a recent television interview, noted a similar "correlation." He described how many Bush supporters come from states known for homophobia-related crimes and the dragging to death of an African-American. Do two really have to play at this game? These overgeneralizations only incite people, and opportunity for productive dialogue is greatly diminished. - D. Somerville, Greenville, Ill.

They believe

One of the main reasons black people refused to vote for Mr. Bush was that he is opposed to affirmative action ("A reliable constituency," Nov. 25). My daughter and her friends, who are black, believe that if it weren't for affirmative action, black people would be passed over for all but the most menial jobs. - Alta Stingle, Austell, Ga.

Turned off

I read "Tune in, turn on, turn out" (Nov. 25) with deep sadness. It appears 9 out of 10 black votes went to Mr. Gore, and many of those came from church-sponsored "get out the vote" drives. Obviously blacks were not the only ones who voted for Gore, but I do not have a "load module" for anyone naming the name of Christ who could vote for baby killers, no matter what the other issues are. - Hal and Mary Maynor, Lititz, Pa.

Tragic

I was grief stricken to read that Guy Condon, president of CareNet, had passed away ("Loss of a leader," Nov. 25). As a former director of a pregnancy resource center, I know that the lives of thousands of women and crisis pregnancy center workers have been touched by the passion and vision this leader had for both the life of the "not-yet- born" and their mothers. Guy was a kindhearted, funny, faithful man. He loved God, his family, and all who were involved in the ministry of life. Such a loss is tragic. - Dianna Salciccioli, Bend, Ore.

Load 'em up

Perhaps Etta Kralovec and John Buell have a good idea in suggesting that homework puts an unnecessary burden on kids ("Can parents be bothered?" Nov. 18). When I hear of kindergartners assigned "homework," it makes me wonder what's wrong with their teacher. If the average kindergartner "needs" homework, it means that either the teacher can't cover the material in class time, or the school is trying to load up too much politically correct junk on the little ones. - Karen Husmann, Gardena, Calif.

Tough enough

Thank you for "Sweeps month" (Nov. 18). This article persuaded me to finally take the DeMoss challenge of giving up TV. I have a young son and I don't want to have to spin my wheels explaining to him why some people live the lives they do while they scoff at ours. As a Christian, why would I make parenting in today's non-Christian culture a tougher job than it already is by allowing mainstream TV to teach him alternative values? - Shona Cole, Houston, Texas

Deserving

As one of those overweight ex-soldiers, I feel that I was released unfairly and that I deserve the bonuses that I worked for two years to get ("Pay us anyway," Nov. 18). I was only slightly over the weight limit and easily passed my last physical training test, but your article makes us look like fat slobs looking for a handout. I tried to do something for my country and was turned away after two years for reasons I still don't understand. So maybe I will put away my Bon Bons and lug my fat self over to the phone and with my pudgy little fingers call up attorney Michael Feldman, who filed the lawsuit against the Pentagon on behalf of the other chaptered soldiers. - Ben Wommack, Weldon, N.C.

Who needs it?

I get all my news from WORLD, the Internet, the radio (turned to Christian programming) and co-workers. I even watched the election returns on the Internet. Who needs TV ("Sweeps month," Nov. 18)? - Charlene Wroblewski, Watertown, Wis.

Tabloid WORLD

Upon first reading, I knew that WORLD is the most disgusting and un-Christian publication on the market. I am appalled at the bigotry and extremist attitudes displayed by your editors and your writers week after week. Several extended family members are on your mailing list. Your coverage of this election has moved me to do all in my power to get them and anybody else I see with your right-wing tabloid to discontinue their subscriptions. - Wendy Simmons, Milligan, Tenn.

Great expectations

There are few days that I rush to the mail box to get the assorted junk and bills that come most of the time. But, on Wednesdays, the day I receive WORLD, I look forward to the great insights and provoking articles that make me more informed and help mold my Christian worldview. You have an outstanding magazine. - Tim Albin, Wright, Wyo.

Properly biased

My wife and I have been receiving WORLD for a few years. We appreciate your news reports on subjects the secular media does not deem worthy of coverage. I also enjoy reading about current events through a different filter (biased, but generally properly so), but I look forward the most to the Cultural and Closing Thoughts articles. Of these, Mrs. Seu usually speaks to my heart most loudly ("Divine visitation," Nov. 18). She really finds the profound in the daily stuff of life. - Bruce Carpenter, Cortland, Ohio

Corrections

The stage name of Russell Tyrone Jones, a rap star with the Wu-Tang Clan, is ODB.

The expression "ideals of the academe" should have been "ideals of academe" (Oct. 28, p. 79).

Leon County Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis was appointed by Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1998 (Dec. 2, p. 20). - The Editors

Drop it, Al

What a terrific cover ("Stick'em up!" Nov. 25). Our whole family thought this was the best election cartoon we've seen yet. It brought lots of laughs because we realized how true to life it is. I think that the American people now seem to be saying, "Al Gore, release your hostages, and come out with your hands up!" Thanks for your past and on-going coverage of the presidential election. You are covering many facets not discussed in other mainstream publications, both paper and on-line. - Michael Cook, Shellsburg, Iowa