Letters to the Editor
Jolard
Published Letters: 6 Editor's Choice: 1
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Bring them in on the secret
[Read the article: My 13-year-old still believes in Santa Claus]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]A few others have mentioned something similar. In my family growing up I was about 8 or 9 when my Mom and Dad took me aside and let me in on the secret. The key to making it fun for me was letting me in on the fun. That night was wonderful. I was the one who got to eat the cookies and drink the milk. I was allowed to help stock the stockings, and wrap the santa presents. I was the one who was able to nibble on the carrots.
This helped me feel like part of the fun, and I loved carrying on the tradition for my younger siblings. I think that really helped.
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Wow, the vehemence is amazing
[Read the article: The Mormons are coming]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Mormons are strange. I fully accept that as a life time Mormon. I am also a Liberal, a Democrat. I am active in the church, and active in politics. Just so you know where I come from. Personally I hate the idea of a Romney Presidency, mostly because of his positions, nothing to do with his religion.
The truth is that all religions have dark sides, all have strange practices. Mormons do tend to be a little more intolerant, a little more lacking in compassion, but I feel strongly that the basis of that is the strong Republican bent of most members. The church itself does not teach these things, (and if they did, they have been repudiated).
In my mind the Mormon Church is one of the most inclusive, not the least. We believe that all churches contain truth and goodness, and we seek after those things. We believe that those who pick the wrong religion here are not condemned to hell for eternity, but have further chances in the afterlife. For those who complain on baptisms for the dead, these are provided just in case they are wanted. If someone accepts Christ in the afterlife, then a baptism can become valid for them.
We believe in a personal God, who didn't create the world out of nothing. We believe that scriptures are accurate as far as they are translated correctly, which gives lots of leeway, and the ability to be flexible and understand that the Bible is not inerrant in all things. Yes out beliefs are unorthodox, but so what. It works for me, even if I do disagree with most members in their political views.
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Interesting Contrast With Obama
[Read the article: McCain launches first general-election ads]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Considering that Obama's slogan is "We are the change we have been waiting for". Contrast that with McCain's "The American President America has been waiting for" and you can see the different focus.
I like that Obama admits that he won't solve all our problems, we will do that when we get involved.
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I am close to finally canceling
[Read the article: A new low in Clinton bashing]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Joan, I have been a salon subscriber for years, and have always loved the magazine. However I have never been as close to canceling my subscription as I am today. Salon has been a voice of reason and a great alternative source of news for years. Things have gone down hill recently.
You have the right to be a Clinton supporter, but your increasingly vitriolic opposition to Obama, especially as Clinton's chances have been fading, has started to piss me off frankly. Whether or not you are an Obama supporter, we all need to remember that we need change in the whitehouse, and your incredibly acidic attacks on him are not helping.
Yes your choice isn't going to win. I can understand being upset, my choice has never won, and this year is the first time it looks like it might happen.
Bottom line is that you are insulting me directly when you unfairly attack Obama supporters. Why would I continue to support an outlet that attacks me directly? Lets at least have some reasoned discussion instead of vitriol and attacks.
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Difficult Situation
[Read the article: McCain counsel disputes Obama camp's account]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This is a tough one.
I have always decried the effects of money on our politics, the fact that in general politicians spend half their time fundraising, and then the other half paying back their donors. Money is the key issue in politics today, and why things rarely change. Those who benefit from the current system have little incentive to change it.
Then along comes Obama, who of course changes many entrenched paradigms. He is not being financed by wealthy corporations or business interests. He is not being financed by special interests. He is being financed $10, $20 at a time by ordinary Americans.
What I would like to see him do is acknowledge that he has changed his mind, and admit it is because of the current flawed system. But then make a promise that once he is in office, he will push for real campaign finance reform. Outline what it will look like, and how it will work. Then I will be happy with him raising any amount of money in the current flawed system.
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Couple more hints
[Read the article: A bookmark for the iPod]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]As well as checking the "Remember Playback Position" check box, you should also check the "Skip When Shuffling" check box. This will ensure that your audio book files won't suddenly appear in the middle of your music mixes.
Audio books on iPods are wonderful, the trick is getting them. public Libraries now have a good selection of audio books for download on their websites, but most of them had Microsoft's old DRM scheme (which even Microsoft doesn't use anymore on its Zune) so you can't play them on a Zune or an iPod. This is a really silly situation, since the vast majority of people have an iPod, Apple should allow the libraries to use it's DRM for free, that would be a great PR move.
Personally I love to have at least on audio book on my iPod at any time, along with a large number of podcasts. A great way to keep up with my reading.