The Stars Pitch In
When I received the issue, I was delighted to see that movie stars and musicians were coming together to raise money for the victims and families of the Sept. 11 tragedy. This is the way America is supposed to be—helping people in times of need. Seeing stories about heroes and good deeds really puts a smile on my face.
Marquis Heyer, Lawrence, Kans.

Today, I was happy to see PEOPLE back to its regular format. Your initial coverage was beautifully done, and never before has my copy been wet with tears. Your timing has been right on.
Judy Little, Yachats, Ore.

Your cover was a disgrace. Meg Ryan and Tom Cruise have spent recent months humiliating their families. So what if Susan Saran-don made sandwiches and Sarah Jessica Parker passed out water? So did hundreds of nonfamous people who didn't do it as a photo opportunity.
Caroline Coco, Boston, Mass.

I don't think that you should be praising the stars for giving money to help the people of New York City. If I had millions of dollars, I would be giving money to help them too. This definitely does not deserve a cover. I would rather read about the real heroes, the ordinary, everyday Americans who have given their time, effort and money to the people involved in the tragedy.
Janie Kleinfelder, Cincinnati, Ohio

I find it disappointing that the Hollywood celebrities were holding a fund-raiser trying to get money from everyday Americans who are struggling to make it. It seems that more money would be raised if they all quietly contributed $1 million each from their hefty bank accounts.
Anne Garrison, San Jose, Calif.

It was nice to see the stars as they look in everyday life. No need for makeup and great hair during this devastating time.
Wendy Doria, San Diego, Calif.

Osama bin Laden
Your article on Osama bin Laden was unsettling. To have such wealth used for destruction and despair is despicable. If this man was indeed one of the masterminds behind the terrible acts of Sept. 11, his assets should be seized to pay for restitution to the victims' families.
Carolyn Espenshade, Harrisburg, Pa.

Anna Westin
Thank you for your compassionate, respectful and accurate story about our daughter Anna Westin and our efforts to change the way some health-care systems discriminate against people with eating disorders. We started a foundation in Anna's name after she died. We invite people to go to our Web site at www.annawestinfoundation.org for more information and links to other resources.
Kitty and Mark Westin, Chaska, Minn.

I was incredibly touched and moved by your article about the Westin family. As a private school voice teacher of high school and college students, I have had more experience than I would have liked working with those who have been victims of anorexia. But imagine my shock and disappointment as I turned the page, only to view under your Style Watch column five stick-thin stars.
Cynthia Teague Goetz, St. Paul, Minn.

Suzyn Waldman
Thank you for enlightening the rest of the country about Suzyn Waldman. Before even learning of her fight against cancer, I could tell she was special. She offers her listeners real insight as to what is going on in the Yankees locker room. As a Yankees fan, I owe her a heartfelt thank you.
Charles Howe, Mount Kisco, N.Y.

I am a career woman and an avid sports fan. I firmly disagree, however, with locker-room women. I am sure Ms. Waldman is an excellent interviewer, but she doesn't belong in a men's locker room. Simply, boys join the Boy Scouts and girls join the Girl Scouts.
Stephanie Scharko, Somerset, N.J.

Mailbag
I certainly appreciate the sentiment of Victoria Levin as she expressed wanting to escape reality with the arrival of her issue. As an American, however, I was deeply offended that she actually spent the time to put in writing her discontent with the magazine when a letter of encouragement to the rescuers at Ground Zero, or better yet a letter of condolence to a family suffering an immediate and crushing loss, would have better served her country.
Deborah Bonham, via e-mail

I have to disagree with the letters taking PEOPLE to task for placing ads opposite pictures of the terrorist attack. Ads are an important revenue to the magazine. With thousands of individuals losing their jobs, I can't think of a better contribution to our country and economy than making sure that so many remain employed.
Laurie Emerson, Biloxi, Miss.