(2 of 4)
You observed, "rich experiences...produce rich brains." Music provides some of the richest a child can have. It is never too early to start exposing your kids to it. Infants as young as four months old have defined tastes in music. If we parents, educators and policymakers expect our children to fully develop as human beings, we need to tend to their needs right from the start, and those needs include music. JOHN J. MAHLMANN, Executive Director Music Educators National Conference Reston, Virginia
Your report was quite informative, but it is a shame that we should be in need of scientific research to be more nurturing to our children. JULISSA CORRAL Chicago
DAY-CARE CONSIDERATIONS
Your articles on how the brain develops and the implications for day care [SPECIAL REPORT, Feb. 3] should be required reading for legislators before they debate or vote on any legislation affecting day care and the education of the very young. Proper care, nourishment and education of these children benefit not only the youngsters and their families but the entire nation. HARLAN K. MOORE Rogers, Arkansas
Why have kids if you don't want to stay home and take care of them? One of life's greatest joys is hearing "Mom!" when your first-grader bursts through the door after school. He can't wait to tell you all he has learned. His world is opening up, but he still needs you. COLLEENE JOHNSON Colorado Springs, Colorado
Let's take care not to juxtapose illuminating developmental neuroscience findings with myths about the superiority of nonemployed mothers. Responsive, stimulating environments for infants are provided by many day-care centers and are not provided by some stay-at-home parents. Various care arrangements can optimize brain maturation. No one size fits all families. CATHERINE CHAMBLISS, Chair Department of Psychology Ursinus College Collegeville, Pennsylvania
MAKE IT SHORT AND SWEET
For campaign reform to be meaningful, there has to be a limit on the length of time as well as on spending [NATION, Feb. 3]. With all the print and electronic media coverage available to the public, it is an insult to the intelligence of the American voter for a political campaign to last more than three months. It doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that a shorter campaign would be far less costly. Of course the media and other organizations that make billions of dollars running political ads and covering the campaign would probably fight the idea, not wanting to lose the money. RICHARD T. BAURMANN Atascocita, Texas
You claimed that Thomas Paine was an "18th century American writer." He may have died in America, but he was born in England. He may have written Common Sense in America, but he wrote The Rights of Man in England, and he finished The Age of Reason in prison in France. I admire America, but you don't own everything! IAN GLOVER-JAMES London
INAUGURAL BULL?