The Brady Bunch
I commend the surviving cast members of The Brady Bunch. Unlike other former child stars, they have landed on their feet. Drugs, alcohol and arrests haven't plagued their days of poststardom. They have more than lived up to the values of the characters they used to play on television.
Josh Hamerman, Scotch Plains, N.J.

When I saw the cover of your magazine this week, I couldn't wait to read the article because I grew up watching The Brady Bunch. I only have one complaint: It wasn't long enough! More, more, more!
Margie Parker, Temecula, Calif.

My three daughters grew up watching The Brady Bunch. Several years ago, Barry Williams was in a play in Philadelphia, which my husband and I went to see. Afterward we waited in line and asked him to autograph our program for our girls, explaining that they would really get a kick learning we had met "Greg." He said he would happily sign "Barry Williams," but wanted to have nothing more to do with The Brady Bunch. What a pompous ass, and how he disappointed three young former fans!
Barbara Kramer, via e-mail

I not only grew up watching The Brady Bunch, I grew up with Mike Lookinland. I attended Taper Avenue Elementary School in San Pedro, Calif., with him from kindergarten on. Mike's children might think he's weird because he was on the show, but my children think it's pretty cool that their mom knew Bobby Brady!
Patricia Harris Guensler, Rocklin, Calif.

I was surprised at your slight of Robert Reed. Though he is no longer with us, I thought there would have been more on him—perhaps a paragraph with some of his achievements over the decades.
Charles Westmoreland, Houston

I have a follow-up story for your cover. How about telling the story of a gay man who had to hide his sexuality in order to remain a working actor, and whose memory' was all but obliterated in your retrospective? Robert Reed deserved the same space in your article as the rest of the Brady Bunch.
Paul Schruender, Palm Springs, Calif.

What medications are you taking that cause you to believe that the public has any interest in reading about people who acted in a show that was popular—and I use the term loosely—20 years ago? The rest of us have moved on; why can't you?
Barbara Bruce, Albuquerque

Let's hope we won't be seeing the Brady Bunch in a millennium movie. It's time they sold the house, retired and disappeared.
Billy Frazier, Jacksonville, Fla.

Elian Gonzalez
As the daughter of Cuban exiles, I know all too well the abysmal failure of Communism and the desperation of the Cuban people to escape its tyranny. How fitting that this child would be rescued on Thanksgiving Day. Elian Gonzalez should be allowed to remain in this country to enjoy the freedom his mother died so valiantly for. My parents, having arrived 38 years ago, are forever grateful to this nation for all of the opportunities given them. Someday, Elian Gonzalez will be grateful too.
Elizabeth M. Lens, Pompano Beach, Fla.

Contrary to what we Americans would like to believe, some people are actually happy living in a country under Communist rule. Just because a person has Communist views and lives in a country with the same, does that give us the right to take away his parental rights? I don't think so! Little Elian should be returned to his father. When he grows up, he will have the choice either to stay in Cuba or make the same trip his mother attempted. At that time he will be an adult, with the full understanding of the decision he makes.
Margie Berglund, Reno

Julie Andrews
I watched The Sound of Music again after reading your story about Julie Andrews. That she may never have her voice back is a terrible loss. But her voice will never be stilled completely; it will live on forever through her many characters, most of all Maria von Trapp. Maria's song "I Have Confidence" is the essence of Julie Andrews. Her talent and magic will never fade.
Dana Frizzell, White River Junction, Vt.

Dr. Carolyn Westhoff
Your article on the abortion pill sickened me, but one statement in particular really had me angered. "Every...woman ought to have emergency contraception available at home because it will frequently prevent the need for having an abortion." We need air, water and food. Abortion is never a need; it is always a selfish want. As an adoptive parent, I am thankful every day that my son's birth mother decided she did not "need" an abortion.
Jill Barth, Lake Forest, Ill.

Curious how Dr. Westhoff used the word "pregnancy" in reference to the developing fetus in a woman's uterus. "When a receptor in uterus is blocked by mifepristone...the pregnancy detaches from the uterus." No, Doctor, the embryo detaches and the pregnancy is terminated. Let's not attempt to depersonalize the actions of this pill, and to use less offensive language and words to mask what you are truly doing.
Catherine Martinez, via e-mail

I am sure PEOPLE is going to receive much flak for your article on mifepristone (RU 486), the drug that induces abortion in the first stage of pregnancy. The problem is that both sides on the abortion issue are afraid that if they give a little bit, they will lose the entire battle. This drives people to the dangerous extremes that we are experiencing in this country. I salute you and Drs. Westhoff and Schaff for having the courage to share a valuable medical option with the public in a rational and informed manner.
Sophie Oberstein, via e-mail

Al Pacino
How do I say thank you? I have read your magazine for years. I have followed Alfredo James Pacino's life and career since I was a girl. You have made this 40-year-old mother of four very happy for Christmas.
Teresa Thomas, Clifton, N.J.

Although I loved the article on Al Pacino, it was a few weeks late. He should have been on the cover of the Sexiest Man Alive issue. I have loved him since Serpico. He is gorgeous!
Karen Wirth, Bellingham, Wash.

Martha Stewart
I wonder when Martha Stewart was promoted to the position of God, since she seems to be the only living expert on everything. The sight of such an unattractive woman telling the world how to organize their lives is enough to make me ill.
Vicki Burbach, Minatare, Neb.

Ms. Stewart has taught millions how to create the perfect setting for the perfect meal. But it seems she has yet to learn the humility and self-awareness that make someone as warm as the food she serves. In your article, I found her both conceited and exceedingly self-absorbed. If I ever receive an invitation to join her for dinner, I hope she sets my place at the opposite end of the table.
Scott Berwitz, New York City

Sean Hayes
I absolutely love Sean Hayes, and he is the reason I watch Will & Grace. His physical humor and body language have me in giggles every single week. I have to make my apologies to the rest of the great cast, but if I had my way, the show would be Just jack!
Heather Stratton Huntington, Millville, Mass.

Scoop
We would greatly appreciate it if you would please advise your readers that the alliance described in Scoop linking "Gilda's Place" with the Barry-more Internet sale was entirely unauthorized by Gilda's Club, Inc. We take pride in our reputation for integrity and sensitivity as we develop the international Gilda's Club network of free meeting places for women seeking; social and emotional support while living with cancer. Our first visionary sponsor, PEOPLE, set the standard, and we scrupulously hold to it for the parent organization and our affiliates.
Joanna Bull, Founder and President, Gilda's Club, Inc., New York City