The 25 Most Intriguing
Your little fluff piece on George W. Bush, which questioned how he will behave in the White House, neglected to mention the contemptuous wave of disrespect for democracy upon which he arrived. Since past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, those of us who still have principles know what is in store.
Larry Rhinard, Key West, Fla.
Thank you for putting our new President-elect in your 25 Most Intriguing issue. While I'm sure others are upset by this, they need to remember that half the voters are celebrating his win!
Leslie MacDougall, Novato, Calif.
I am disgusted that you would even think of listing Eminem as one of your Most Intriguing. How can an adolescent jerk who sings of murdering his wife be deemed anything but a complete idiot?
Ilona Jones, Portland, Ore.
I commend you for choosing Eminem. He is a lyrical mastermind, and though I tend not to agree with his lyrics, they are smart and entertaining. I find him intriguing because, although he puts himself and his mind completely out there in his songs, we continually strive to learn more about him.
Tasha Cummings, via e-mail
Florida as 1 of your 25 Most Intriguing? Puh-leez! Try bumbling, inept, partisan and downright ridiculous. Although I'm a Republican, I have no doubt Al Gore won the state of Florida fair and square. Perhaps Jeb Bush should have been the subject of your article. His influence over the election results is a story I would have found intriguing.
Carleen Matson, Everett, Wash.
Congrats for recognizing The Rock as one of the Most Intriguing. This is a man who has gone from having nothing and being almost homeless to where he is a devoted husband, an athlete, a businessman and a man of honor and integrity.
Stacey Blake, Columbus, Ohio
American values are in a sad stare when Meg Ryan has an affair and leaves her husband, and we honor her as Most Intriguing! How about Most Disgusting?
Jo Connolly, via e-mail
The only thing intriguing about Darva Conger is that your magazine found her intriguing.
Melanie Milentz, Dawn Heise and Jenny Foster, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Your staff has not even considered the buying power of people over 40. You and other mainstream media continue to tell us who we are interested in and who we admire, yet for the most part your selection of the 25 reflects the interests of younger people.
Rose Anne Howlett, Oklahoma City
If these people are labeled intriguing, then I must be downright fascinating!
K. Miller, Pleasanton, Calif.
Picks & Pans
Today girls need to know that it is cool to have morals. They read your magazine and see that you disapprove of Jessica Simpson, a role model who has them. Then they see you promote Britney Spears, bouncing around a beach with perfect everything—hair, makeup and body. Who do you think they want to be like?
Marcia Cadenhead, Jacksonville, Fla.
Sequels
Granny Tillie Tooter is "mulling over a lawsuit" because she wasn't found fast enough after her car was knocked off a bridge and into a swamp? Give me a break. I'm half her age and would be grateful just to be alive. I wouldn't have the time to waste on a lawsuit.
Teresa West, Chico, Calif.
In an otherwise favorable profile of the heroic Dr. LeRoy Carhart, you describe "the type of abortion that opponents label partial birth" as "particularly gruesome." Opponents of late-term abortion (the legitimate medical phrase for partial birth), who typically want to make all abortion illegal as well, expound on its "gruesomeness" as a way to build support against it. But late-term abortions are not performed frivolously. They are done to protect the lives and health of women having severe complications in their pregnancies. As a mother, I would support the right of my daughter to undergo a "gruesome procedure" if the purpose was to save her life.
Daphne Philipson, Ardsley-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Mailbag
Concerning all the letters about Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones: Am I the only one who is happy for them? Really, do you think they are the only people who have ever had a baby out of wedlock? They are happy and want the whole world to know it. What is so wrong with that?
Amanda Sloan, Helena, Mont.
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