Decoding DeCSS

Regarding your article about DVD "piracy," DeCSS is not primarily used for making pirate copies of DVDs ("Net pirates walk the plank," Sept. 9). Given enough computer resources, illegal copies of DVDs can already be made "bit-by-bit" without decoding. DeCSS allows owners of DVDs to play their own DVD disks on computers using the Linux operating system with free software, rather than on Windows or a commercial player that provides royalty income to the DVD Control Association members. - David Ormand, Tucson, Ariz.

Reality check

The Sept. 2 "In the Spotlight" featured the Maxis computer game The Sims. Just the day before reading that article, a friend I was visiting asked his 11-year-old granddaughter to show me some of her favorite games, thinking they might be of interest to my children. The girl brought up her Sims community on her computer and showed me how the scantily clad man and woman could hug and kiss. She showed me how the man could turn on the "vibrating" bed at which time he removed the remainder of his clothes. He then walked to the toilet (which he used) and by the time he got to the shower, her grandfather had recovered from his shock and had her shut down the game. While her grandfather will deal with his granddaughter, I suggest that parents be vigilant with regards to how their children spend their time. - Linda Murray, Sunland, Calif.

The time is coming

Chris Stamper's critique of Social Security fuels my long-held belief that the scheme is not only ill-conceived but dangerous ("Old, bad deal," Sept. 9). Social Security is now paying me less than $10,000 per year, but the fund is going broke and I might live another 20 years. From the government's point of view, it would be better if I were dead. A policy of gericide could save billions of dollars annually. Hysteria? I don't think so. Americans used to be horrified at the thought of widespread abortion, but at the urging of liberal politicians and activists, abortion has become to many people not only acceptable but virtuous. History is being repeated with euthanasia. In countries like The Netherlands, where abortion first became respectable, seniors are terminated with or without their cooperation. In the United States, Jack Kervorkian has many American supporters for his program of eternal rest. Politicians cannot yet risk advocating such a policy, but the time is coming. - Robert Ausband, Gainesville, Fla.

Alternatives available

"Stemming an ethical tide" and "Brits go a step further" do not mention that stem cells taken from adults are already being used as an alternative to those harvested from embryos. It is important to use the alternative to avert a run on unborn donors. - Jules Schindler, Novato, Calif.

Helpful

I appreciated the views expressed about education and the presidential candidates ("Presidential pedagogy," Sept. 9). This is very relevant and helpful for sorting out campaign issues. - Michael Reardon, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Sooner or later

I am glad to hear of the start of Patrick Henry College, but I am worried because too often Christian colleges become so concerned about gaining and keeping accreditation that they jettison their Christian worldview ("Give me Patrick Henry," Sept. 9). This happens, in part, because to maintain accreditation institutions hire professors with degrees from state-run universities, and sooner or later the humanistic philosophy they learned in graduate school reappears. If an institution produces quality graduates, there should be no need for accreditation. - Craig L. Shoemaker, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sooner or later

I am glad to hear of the start of Patrick Henry College, but I am worried because too often Christian colleges become so concerned about gaining and keeping accreditation that they jettison their Christian worldview ("Give me Patrick Henry," Sept. 9). This happens, in part, because to maintain accreditation institutions hire professors with degrees from state-run universities, and sooner or later the humanistic philosophy they learned in graduate school reappears. If an institution produces quality graduates, there should be no need for accreditation. - Craig L. Shoemaker, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Praise for praise songs

I usually feel Mr. Veith is right on target, but I take issue with his statement about the camp song "Kum Ba Ya," that "like other praise songs-it does not carry any specific doctrinal meaning" ("Censoring 'Kum Ba Ya,'" Sept. 2). I heartily concur that the majority of good hymns are full of good doctrine, but the majority of praise songs I know are taken directly from Scripture, from which we all draw doctrine, or have many Scriptural references. - Debbie King, Manassas, Va.

Reunited

I recently resubscribed to WORLD after a lapse of a couple of years. I really don't know why I let it lapse, as it was a main source of information to our homeschool class of "Understanding the Times." I reasoned that since I wasn't teaching that class for a couple of years, I didn't need it. I was very wrong. I didn't realize I missed it until I read it today, from cover to cover. It was like visiting an old friend. - Emilia Neudorff, West Hills, Calif.

Disagrees

Please cancel our subscription. We were disappointed that you included a column that sided with the Supreme Court's decision to limit grandparents' rights in Traxel vs. Granville. - Polly Fanus, New Holland, Pa.

Amen

I say a hearty "Amen!" to the caution raised in "Star makers, heartbreakers" (Sept. 2). Unfortunately, Christian leaders feel it wise to rush a new believer into a position of responsibility or notoriety, even if that is only in the local community. There is a subtle delusion in thinking that this is a wise way to "wage war with the culture." But this battle is not against flesh and blood, and it is not to be waged with the weapons of this world, which in these modern times include celebrity, advertising, and other ways of trying to outpower other people's arguments. The battle is against spiritual forces and is to be waged with spiritual armor. - Bob Cohen, Newton, N.J.

Uncovered

Thank you for having the good taste not to further abuse and parade Mr. Harrah by plastering his photo on your cover. - Debra Tolar, Gainesville, Fla.

No way to make a living

I'm wondering why we pay to have any of these ex-abortionists on the pro-life speaking circuit. They made an obscene amount of money performing abortions and now they continue to make their living off the abortion industry as they describe the grisly details of their former profession. I rejoice in genuine repentance but I question the morality of an individual continuing to derive income at the expense of the innocent lives that they have taken. - Tom Lamprecht, Greenville, N.C.

Correction

Eric Harrah managed abortion businesses but apparently did not own any. - The Editors

Taped out

"Reading, 'riting, and red tape" (Sept. 9) in your Education 2000 section accurately points out the ridiculous amount of time teachers spend on paperwork that has -nothing to do with teaching. As a second-grade public-school teacher, I feel this added burden. However, it is not that "the teacher spends all his or her time implementing programs and filling out paperwork instead of teaching." I may spend out-of-school time on these things, but my teaching day is devoted to my children. I don't get near my chair from 8:00 till 3:00. Unnecessary paperwork is a frustrating part of my job, and it consumes more and more of my time, not my teaching time. - Miriam Frerichs, Kearney, Neb.