Inbox

A Heroine in Burma

I read "The First Lady of Freedom" as soon as I received the issue [Jan. 10]. Then I read it out loud to all who would listen. I am 17 years old, and I deeply admire Aung San Suu Kyi. I am grateful for TIME's emphasis on her importance; it's journalism like this that inspires people to action.

Hope Loudon, RENO, NEV.

Because the top generals in Burma's junta hate and fear her, Suu Kyi has not been able to negotiate on political reform. Yet her commitment to nonviolent resistance has prevented most of the country from falling into the kind of vicious cycle of terrorism and counterterrorism that has occurred in Sri Lanka, a country with Buddhist values similar to Burma's. She may continue to be marginalized by the junta, but her moral example makes her one of Asia's great leaders.

Donald M. Seekins, WAIPAHU, HAWAII

Democracy comes from within. It certainly has a chance in Burma with such a brilliant woman as Suu Kyi leading the way.

Mike McDonald, ST. PAUL, MINN.

The Lowdown on 2010

Re "The Year of Living Predictably" [Jan. 10]: Let Joe Klein tell the millions of newly unemployed that "nothing all that surprising really happened" in 2010 and see what they say.

Dale Williams, WILLOW PARK, TEXAS

Klein suggests that not passing the Dream Act was "a spite-filled step back." But it is against the law to enter the U.S. without proper documentation--and the law doesn't say anything about a person's age.

D. Mark O'Neill, OMAHA

As the father of an adult son living with epilepsy, I am disappointed in Klein's unfortunate word choice in comparing the stridency of cable-TV news to an "epileptic seizure." I look to TIME to bring clarity and thoughtfulness to news, not to contribute to the stigmatization of such a misunderstood and underfunded disorder. Perhaps Klein can take this opportunity to report on the lack of coherent national policy relating to epilepsy, which affects the daily lives of millions of Americans.

Patrick Hager, ST. PAUL, MINN.

That's No Maverick

He may be a Tea Party "star," but Virginia's attorney general, Ken Cuccinelli, is no different from his counterparts who make the same noises about abortion, gays and small government [Richmond Memo, Jan. 10]. I would venture a guess that a man with seven children savors his taxpayer-funded governmental health insurance, though eliminating it would save quite a bit of money for taxpayers. Cuccinelli rails against "big" government until he needs it for personal gain.

Marty Weixel, ALLISON PARK, PA.

For a devoted Catholic, Cuccinelli has certainly missed one of the core messages of his faith: care for poor people without prejudice.

Tom Teune, WHEATON, ILL.

Amping Up Adoptions