SONNY BONO
While Cher might have been an important part of Sonny Bono's past, and though his relationship with Cher "had lately become, if not friendly, at least civil," according to your story, the more appropriate picture for your cover would have been the one with his wife you tucked away on page 78 or one that included his children. Your choice was, at the very least, insensitive, if not downright stupid.
LINDA MELE, North Haven, Conn.
Sonny was a star in his own right. There was no need for him to share his final curtain with Cher.
MARCIA ROMAN, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
Here Sonny has been telling the world how happy he is with wife Mary and the kids, and you run a cover photo of him with his ex. Do that to my husband and I'll scratch your eyes out!
GEORGIANNE JOHNSON
Richland Center, Wis.
Cher didn't have a nice thing to say about Sonny while he was alive, and now she's the poor mourning ex-wife! Makes me ill.
TRISHA SCHELBLE, Salt Lake City
You have gone as low as a pregnant ant this time.
F. SOKOLOFF, Boca Raton, Fla.
Thank you for your wonderful article on Sonny Bono. As a devoted fan, I believe Sonny proved himself to be a magnificent songwriter, entertainer, restaurant businessman and member of Congress. Thank you, too, to Cher for such a beautiful, moving eulogy.
JANET NOVICK, Oceanside, N. Y.
VERNON WILSON
I was touched to read about Vernon Wilson's decision to donate his life savings to Habitat for Humanity. In a world where there is such growing concern about Social Security and building your own nest egg, I am truly encouraged by this man's faith in the all-powerful and loving God to take care of his family's needs.
JENNIFER ALLCROFT, Woodbridge, Va.
Has this man gone crazy? Does he really believe God wanted him to give his life savings away? How could he not think of his family's future when his capability of supporting them has ended? Who is going to donate to their needs? If he wanted to give something, how about his time?
NAME WITHHELD
STEVIE NICKS
I applaud Stevie Nicks. While living through all the ups and downs of a rock and roll life, she has prevailed. She inspires by facing her demons head-on. Rock on, Gold Dust Woman!
LISA McCLURE, Austin, Texas
MICHAEL KENNEDY
The death of Michael Kennedy was a product of the same arrogance that made a middle-aged man think he could carry on with the babysitter without consequence. The deaths of John and Robert Kennedy at the hands of assassins were tragedies; this was merely stupidity.
SARA BREWSTER, Buffalo
It is sad when a young life is cut short. My frustration comes from always hearing the label "tragic" associated with the Kennedys. George Plimpton asks, "How could a family have so many things go wrong?" I'll tell you how: percentages. Ethel and Robert had 11 children. There are dozens of cousins. It's a big family. But let us not forget that other American families suffer the same things every day. Families lose loved ones to random shootings and other forms of murder, AIDS, plane crashes, car accidents, drug overdoses and mental illness. The Kennedys are no more tragic than any other family in this country; they are just more public.
LORI GUNBY, Seattle
PICKS & PANS
I was extremely disappointed with your review of the new WB drama Dawson's Creek. You stated you felt the characters were unbelievable. Why? Because every other word out of their mouths wasn't "like" or "you know"? Because a character admitted she became sexually active at the age of 12? Well, I hate to break it to the reviewers at PEOPLE, but those things are in accord with what is occurring outside TV land. We (I'm 16) are well aware of how to speak and express ourselves, and unfortunately losing your virginity at 12 just isn't that uncommon anymore. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't stereotype an entire generation by what you may have seen on this week's after-school special.
A.S. WINTERS, Monsey, N. Y.
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