Joel Belz asked "How'd we do?" so here's my input. Before Mr. Belz claimed your colossal dereliction gained you credibility, I attributed your failure to report the Catholic child molestation scandal to cowardice. Apparently the problem is ignorance. Why else would WORLD compare institutionalized child molestation to isolated evangelical adult affairs? Why else would WORLD laughably presume to be able to take the Catholic Church to the woodshed? - R.G. Wilkins, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Corrections

Bible prophecy scholar John F. Walvoord was president of Dallas Theological Seminary until 1986 and died on Dec. 20, 2002 (Jan. 11, p. 21). The new governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, supports legalized abortion (Dec. 28/Jan. 5, p. 28). - the Editors

Looking forward

As we begin a new year, I hope we reflect on the progress that President Bush's leadership has brought about in the last year ("2002 year in review," Dec. 28/Jan. 4). This progress came in spite of Democrat obstruction and delays. With President Bush's leadership and the new leadership by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, the compassionate conservative agenda is on track. I am excited about what the new Republican majorities, whom God has authorized to act on our behalf, will be able to accomplish in the year to come. - Chuck & Sheila Smith, Columbia, S.C.

It still burns

The New Jersey Supreme Court ignored the law when it allowed Sen. Torricelli to be replaced on the ballot by ex-Sen. Lautenberg with only 36 days remaining before the election ("The Nation: October," Dec. 28/Jan. 4). This was done after Sen. Torricelli's poll numbers had decreased to where it was apparent he would lose. It would appear that the New Jersey Supreme Court overstepped its bounds, and they set a precedent whereby a candidate running for office can withdraw and be replaced by a more formidable candidate when poll numbers indicate a loss. - Robert Kellow, Waretown, N.J.

Good for debate

I really appreciated Andree Seu's "It's good for something" (Dec. 28/Jan. 4). Having had the same discussion several times lately, the thought of having it again is exhausting. The next time someone wants to debate the need for peace, the evils of war, and where God stands on the matter, I'll just hand them a Bible and that copy of WORLD. - Esther Hill, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Slew, who?

It was totally repugnant that you included Seattle Slew, a racehorse, in the obituaries of the year alongside some notables and many very distinguished individuals ("Obituaries," Dec. 28/Jan. 4). The only thing that could have made it worse would have been a picture. - Darrel L. Anderson, Wheaton, Ill.

Buzz away/buzz off

You compare WORLD to a mosquito in "How'd we do?" (Dec. 28/Jan. 4). We in Florida have fought mosquitoes for years. In recent years we've learned which ones carry encephalitis, West Nile virus, and a couple of other sicknesses. If you are a mosquito, I hope you have the impact those little fellers have had on us-not to make us sick but to cause people to take notice of your buzz. - David & Julie Brackin, Orlando, Fla.

Little more on Lott

I strongly disagree with Nickolas Eicher's assessment that Trent Lott must resign his leadership post for the good of the Republican Party ("Casting his Lott," Dec. 21). I suspect that after the unexpected mid-term losses, Democrats were desperately looking for something about Republicans to complain about. Had it not been Trent Lott, it would have been someone else. And, mind you, Mr. Lott won't be the last. I was glad for Rep. J.C. Watts's perceptive remarks that Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd is under no Democratic fire even though he used to be a Ku Klux Klan member. For conservatives to call on Mr. Lott to resign is to play right into the Democratic agenda. - Anna Bolz, Bowling Green, Ky.

I am very much disappointed in your approach to Mr. Lott. He has apologized and asked forgiveness for his "poor choice" of words. Why did we not accept his apology and go on with the issues that are at hand? - Jane Vineyard, Duluth, Ga.

You did not condemn Mr. Lott's gaffe on the basis of its menace toward a much-maligned segment of our people. Your concern with effectiveness-that a Senate leader who provided ammo for attacks on "racist Republicans" was compromised and that for the good of the GOP, Mr. Lott should resign his leadership post-was worthy of the best practitioners of expediency. For shame. - John D. Rosin, San Francisco, Calif.

I agree with Mr. Eicher, who reminded us of Congressman Bob Livingston's contrition. Mr. Livingston resigned in the hope that recognizing his responsibility for moral correctness would influence then-President Clinton. Mr. Lott needed to recognize his responsibility to the leadership of President Bush and not the retired Sen. Thurmond. - James Iversen, Franklin, N.Y.

What about recent anti-American sentiments from Democratic senator Patty Murray to high-school students about bin Laden? Both Sen. Murray's and Sen. Lott's faux pas were outrageous, insensitive, and demeaning. Mr. Lott was held accountable for actions, his party required to be held responsible as well. Will Sen. Murray's anti-American rhetoric hold her and her party captive? Will a censure be required or asked for? Will apologies be needed, given, or accepted? Fortunately for Sen. Murray, her tennis shoes are placed firmly in the "politically correct" camp. - Shelley Aamodt, Menomonie, Wis.

Security enough

I enjoyed WORLD's interview with Joel Rosenberg ("Fact & fiction," Dec. 21). However, as a commercial pilot I disagree with his assertion that we need "some basic minimal security checks before people fly over major American cities" in private aircraft. Airlines don't know or care who their passengers are, other than to crosscheck the names on the tickets with passenger IDs, hence the need for random security checks. But private aircraft owners do know and care about every individual who rides along on their jets. And their pilots do not take off without knowing their passengers' identity. - Joel C. Holt, Columbus, Ohio

Your cover story on Joel Rosenberg poses the question of a possible new "trend: successful Christian cultural products that go mainstream without losing their salt." Another example: The Glenn Beck radio program. Mr. Beck is a conservative, but is not shy about his belief in God, prayer, or his testimony. It is truly remarkable to hear on national radio in 2002. - Bill Neville, Mechanicville, N.Y.

Kudos

Regarding Dorothy Moore's article on gambling disguised as charity, in which I was quoted ("The loser's circle," Dec. 21): One form of this social malady that Ms. Moore didn't mention is the state lottery. The proceeds go to senior citizens programs and other worthy causes. Recently some lottery winnings were offered to the Salvation Army. They turned it down. Crazy, say the world and liberal Christians. Kudos, say I. We cannot cozy up to the ways of the world without some its filth rubbing off on us. - Fred Dohner, Pennsville, N.J.

Vice versa

I would like to refute Mr. Veith's assertion that the world unwittingly celebrates the coming of the Messiah when celebrating Christmas ("The God of gifts," Dec. 14) by saying that Christians unwittingly celebrate paganism by celebrating Christmas. - Shelly Meschke, Westcliffe, Colo.