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As I read the responses from your readers [LETTERS, Oct. 29] and saw people complaining about losing their civil liberties and freedom, I wondered when freedom became more important than saving lives. I would gladly have given up some of my precious freedom if it could have saved the lives of those thousands of people murdered on Sept. 11. If our thoughts are concentrated on what freedoms we might have to give up to stop terrorism, then I think we have truly lost sight of the most valuable thing: life itself. MONICA GRAYBILL Port Royal, Pa.
Keeping Out the Bad Guys
Your report on the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service was a good outline of the state of affairs there [FEDERAL AGENCIES, Oct. 29]. But when it comes to scrutinizing foreigners, the Israelis have it right. To get on an El Al plane, you are questioned in depth about where you have been in Israel, and they require names, addresses and dates--and that's to get out! Getting in is even tougher. Despite the high degree of security, Israel is still subject to terrorism. The Sept. 11 terrorists accurately diagnosed the U.S.'s weaknesses in both airport security and immigration laws. They found the loopholes, which we must now work to close. Above all, we need an ID card that is backed by a secure database that will protect everyone's identity and trip up the evildoers in our country. BYRON SLATER San Diego
To Heal the Wounds
Re your article on the lessons to be learned from the Oklahoma City bombing [LETTER FROM OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 29]: the experience of losing a loved one unexpectedly and coping with the permanency of that loss is almost more than a person can bear. I became a widow last December when my husband committed suicide, and it is heartbreaking, but I know what the coming months hold for the survivors and grieving family members after the Sept. 11 tragedies. Still, it is important for them to know that although it does not seem likely now, time really does heal the wounds. Saying it will get better sounds trite. But your painful loss will become more bearable, and the pain will slowly be replaced with the fond memories you have of the loved one who has died. Take one day at a time. Please seek help if you need it. With the love and support of family and friends, you can get through this. SUSAN A. HIEF Philomath, Ore.
Sisters Are Soldiers Too
In your story about Halloween costumes with patriotic themes [THE HOME FRONT, Oct. 29], you referred to a company that was making "fire-fighter and soldier costumes for boys and USA Teen Cheerleader outfits for their sisters." Admittedly, women represent a smaller percentage than men of U.S. fire fighters and military personnel, but there are women in both professions, and they are much better role models for young girls than USA Teen Cheerleaders. And there are patriotic roles available for girls: Lady Liberty, Betsy Ross or emergency medical technicians. JESSICA M. MOORE Kingston Springs, Tenn.
Affirmation of LIfe