Elizabeth Smart
It was such a relief to hear that Elizabeth Smart was found alive and well. However, I think her parents are making a huge mistake by not getting therapy for Elizabeth right away. This poor girl has been manipulated, violated and traumatized for the past several months, and her family believes that providing Elizabeth with simple pleasures that were snatched from her is the best thing right now?
Rachel Place, WAUSAU, WIS.
Although I am glad to hear that Elizabeth Smart's story had a happy ending, I can't help but place much of the blame for her kidnapping on her parents. Why would a family who lives in a million-dollar home hire transients? Common sense dictates that you don't allow strangers into your home.
Sharon Bush, SYRACUSE, N.Y.
If one looks closely at page 49 of your cover story, you can see the tears in John Walsh's eyes at the return of Elizabeth Smart. He is a man who has truly turned tragedy into triumph. Mr. Walsh didn't receive a happy ending to the story of his son Adam, but he has made it his life's work to help other families have one. He is, without a doubt, a hero in modern times.
Michelle Shaw, GREENVILLE, S.C.
This story should be a lesson to us all to keep our eyes open and notice what is going on around us! It is truly amazing they went undiscovered for so long. I pray for many more such happy endings.
Esther Stach, RIVERTON, UTAH
GIs and Their Families
Your Hopes and Prayers feature was very touching. It makes me wonder how sad these families must feel because some individuals choose to protest and disrespect our troops. They say that they have a right to protest and speak their minds, and they do. The right was secured for them by our armed forces, past and present. But having the right to do a thing does not mean it's the right thing to do.
Anita Herndon, SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
I read your article and hope the message is getting across that we are concerned for the safety of our service people. Please continue to share such stories with those of us who not only want to stay informed but also share thoughts with each one who is serving our nation.
Rex Childress, LOUISVILLE, KY.
Yoko Ono
For over 40 years, through her writing, music, art and tireless campaign for world peace, Yoko Ono has served as an inspiration for many people who hear a different drummer. Now she's an energetic and creative role model for another group—seniors! Thank you, Yoko, and keep going strong!
William Concannon, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
I find it amazing that you would dedicate five pages to Yoko Ono turning 70, and only four pages to our soldiers overseas who may not reach that age. Yoko should be the least of our concerns, since she could never do half of what our soldiers are doing for us right now.
Estelle M. Wyatt, LAS VEGAS, NEV.
Scoop
So the Dixie Chicks are "ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas." Well, I'm ashamed to say that I own two of their CDs. It's also a shame that I won't be purchasing anything else they record because of their offensive and insensitive remarks.
Jennifer Bailey, ELMHURST, ILL.
As the mother of a U.S. soldier currently in Iraq, I'm absolutely amazed at those who seek to punish these patriotic young women for daring to exercise their constitutional right to express dissent. Apparently there are people who think freedom is something you write on a wall but don't actually practice. I'm not offended by the Dixie Chicks, I am just sorry they were bullied into apologizing.
Paige Andre-Hudson, FREEPORT, FLA.
Passages
I would have preferred a Tribute page about actress Lynne Thigpen's life. For me, Saturday evenings have meant The District. I have watched the show since its premiere and what a joy it was to see Lynne.
Kim Boeke, ANKENY, IOWA
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