Trailblazers

Let me congratulate WORLD for paying attention to independent artists like Belle & Sebastian and Death Cab for Cutie (Best-selling CDs, Nov. 1). The typical consumer knows not what to do with bands that don't easily slip into industry categories, but often blaze paths for future artists and deal lyrically with more substantive issues. - Bob O'Bannon, Ferguson, Mo.

Full authority

I strongly disagree with the views of the UN on the rights of the child ("UNfit parents," Oct. 25). I believe that the parents have full authority to discipline their children, including spanking. Fortunately for the United States, we did not sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We are not likely to have any bans like that anytime soon. However, if we do not remain aware of this situation and do not act quickly, who knows what will happen to us? - Michael Garofalo, 14, Woodstock, Ga.

Long past due

As a former Episcopalian I read "The last straw?" (Nov. 15) with sadness and anger, but I was not surprised that the ECUSA went ahead with the consecration of sodomite Gene Robinson to the office of bishop. It is long past due for biblically orthodox Episcopalians and conservative parishes to come out from among them. A mass exodus of the faithful may mean unsavory litigation, loss of earthly property, and the scorn of the world, but it is time for faithful, confessional Episcopalians to make loyalty to Christ a higher priority than earthly goods and prestige. - Geoffrey Willour, Toms River, N.J.

Terri's choice

As a Christian physician who teaches medical ethics, I was disappointed with "A chilling precedent" (Oct. 25) about the plight of Terri Schiavo. Your story suggests that she would not be able to open her eyes and look around or be fed by spoon and swallow if she were in a vegetative state. Patients in a vegetative state can do both. They are awake but not alert; they are unconscious. The video clips on Terri's website suggest that she may be alert. If she is alert, feed her by mouth. But if she truly is permanently unconscious and would not have wanted to be kept alive in her present condition, her wishes should be honored. - Alvin H. Moss, Morgantown, W.V.

The first thing I noticed about the Nov. 15 cover photo was the eyes of the soldier. As a veteran, I recognized in those eyes the look of one who has seen too much death for such a young man. This soldier will probably sit with his back to the wall for many years to come. - David E. Hill, Emmaus, Pa.

I read of the ongoing situation in the Episcopal Church with keener interest than I would have six months ago, before I embraced Anglicanism. Though I am grieved by the blatant sin, I remain hopeful that the generation coming after me does want orthodoxy. - Laurie Neumann, Naperville, Ill.

Name power

We read "Brand names" (Nov. 15) with interest. My husband and I wanted our children's names to be meaningful and reflect their Christian heritage. Our now 3-year-old daughter, Christiana, was named from the classic allegory Pilgrim's Progress and can also mean "the Grace of Christ." We had three previous miscarriages and knew that we had this baby only through the grace of Christ. We chose Anastasia, which means "resurrection," six months before our second daughter was born-without a heartbeat. It took a couple of minutes of resuscitation for it to return. Over the next few days, as she clung to life, we thanked God for His resurrection power. Anastasia is now 4 months old. - Chuck & Anni Welborne, West Lafayette, Ind.

Those silly tickets

I expect the parking tickets piled up by some diplomats have as much to do with culture as they do with diplomatic arrogance (Quick Takes, Nov. 15). In some countries I've been to, anywhere is fair game for parking-the sidewalk, the middle of the road, you name it. This failure to understand cultural differences may help explain, for example, why some cynics, whose cultures don't include America's sense of compassion, accuse us of going after oil in Iraq. And I expect that more than a few diplomats can't understand what all the fuss is about with those silly parking tickets. - Lewis Codington, Sheffield, England

It's difficult to understand the visceral hatred of President Reagan that seems to consume liberal elitists of the Hollywood left ("CBS wrongs Reagan," Nov. 8). Barbra Streisand, her husband, and others seem bent on destroying the reputation of one of our finest presidents. This is a rewriting of history, designed to bias sentiment against this great man. - Rodger A. Schwind, Walnut, Ill.

'Generic' chaplains

"Navy blues" (Nov. 1) could mislead readers to believe that evangelical chaplains are "victims" of discrimination. If there are victims, they are Protestants who seek to pursue their faith in the midst of a "spiritually generic" mentality that many evangelical chaplains do their best to promote. This is a shameful way to treat those who are laying their lives on the line for their country. - Richard Wolfe, Wurzburg, Germany

The picture of so many Episcopal bishops laying hands on Gene Robinson, blessing what God would not bless, reminded me of the warning Paul gave to his young pastor friend in 1 Timothy 5:22: "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." - Mike Neifert, Argonia, Kan.

Line of thanks

The Nov. 15 cover story, "In the line of fire," ended my procrastination. My school is just three miles from Bangor International Airport, where veterans and others gather to greet U.S. troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan at all hours of the day and night. On Nov. 18 our fifth- through eighth-grade students at Penobscot Christian School welcomed home some of these soldiers with cards, posters, smiles, and grateful hearts. It was a joy to be able to express our appreciation for the dedication and service of these soldiers. Thanks for spurring me on. - Bill MacDonald, Bangor, Maine

I am a 16-year-old Presbyterian. The article on the election of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson made my heart sick. This decision to forsake the truth of our God-given identities does not just affect the Episcopal Church. It is a scary blow to Christians everywhere. - Lauren Hartzell, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Urban legend?

Regarding "Teaching methods" (Blog Watch, Nov. 15): Cleaning the bathroom mirror with a toilet-soaked squeegee may have happened somewhere, but I haven't found a story with the details. - Phil Wade, Ringgold, Ga.

Please continue to publish personal stories from those in Iraq. We certainly will not hear all of the truth from today's liberal media. God bless and protect those who are "in harm's way." - Ann Shelby, Lubbock, Texas

No wonder

President Bush promised that he would cut taxes and that this would stimulate the economy. He kept his promise and the results proved him right. Also, the left has often portrayed conservatives and Christians as racist and without compassion. George Bush has shown that this is not the case and has delivered a great blow to the liberal Democratic agenda. Is it any wonder they hate him ("Winning is everything," Nov. 8)? - Doug Stutz, McDaniels, Ky.