Stepping Aside

Today, I received the envelope titled "This should be your Last Renewal Notice" but alas, Newsweek took on a new look. I could live with thta but when I realized that I could no longer start reading it from the back, that was it. Now, reading her parting article, I too must join the ranks of unsubscribers and wonder where she will move to with her thoughtful words? Hopefully, AARP is listening...

As a fan of Anna Quindlen and a journalism teacher who is also a baby boomer, I am saddened by her departure. I feel remiss in that I just now learned of it six weeks after it happened. That shows the disloyalty of today's media ways. As someone who is nowhere near ready to retire, I beg to differ with so much of her reasoning. My students teach me the newest technology and I impart the wisdom of the ages. I consider that a fair trade. If I did not believe I were doing a service, I would go. I wish Ms. Quindlen had seen the service she was providing.

While I agree with the many comments of praise for Anna's body of work, as a boomer who had to make a career change at 50 I feel like someone just spat on me. Already in other places her farewell words are being quoted to punish boomers who continue to work as if we are stealing opportunity from younger workers. My late-life education loans do not allow me to move out of anyone's way. I'm not yet even in their way. In fact I may soon be competing with 20-somethings for professional work while they have been fueled against me by a respected voice of the boomers. So as I have done before, after getting my head cleared from the military scrambling of my late teens; the readjustments needed after trying to find something that felt like life; and now going back to college while being told I look ridiculous in doing so. So, wiping the spit off my face, I am going to complete the education I began. I will probably live another 30 years. I can't afford to live my parent's retirement dream, but I can make certain I am a valuable contributor to the society in which I live.

I will miss Anna's column. It was one of the reasons I subscribe and always found her writing to be perceptive, intelligent, and often filled with a genuine concern for the common man and woman. When my Newweek arrived in the mail I would always check the back page to see if Anna's column was in the issue. If so, I would read it first. Please Newsweek, publish an anthology of her columns for those of us who could never get enough. Steve

I echo what hundreds of loyal readers have already posted here! I never could keep track of whose week it was, you or the other guy, and when my copy of Newsweek arrives I barely glance at the cover but immediately open the magazine to the last page in the hope of finding you there. I guess that's the end of that. It is inevitable that one day I will have a lapse in memory and eagerly open the back page only to be saddened by the reminder that your logic, wit and wisdom are somewhere else these days which will not doubt lead me to add "search for Anna" to my to do list that day. I know I will find you as I am convinced you still have much to say!

Well that just sucks.

The first thing I read when I got Newsweek was your column. And I knew something was up but I couldn't quite figure out what. But now after they sent me their first edition of the new worthless Newsweek, I can see why you left.

I am in awe of your writing prowess and your views and I hope to one day be able to read your column again. Thanks for making me and others think in a new way.

Sean Smith

www.begup.com

I just finished reading Anna Quindlen's last column with a sense of sadness. I have read her column for many years. As a conservative stay-at-home mom, I have often disagreed with her reasoning or rejected her conclusions, but her words have always made me think more carefully about (and sometimes rethink) my positions.

The first page I turn to after reading content of each issue has been your column. Somehow you put many of my thoughts into words so succinctly that I finish your thought for that week with a big, "yes!". I shall miss your words of wisdom which embrace a sense of humanism to which I can relate. I wish you only the best in your coming ventures and look forward to reading your books. Thank you for a job well done.

I, too, am troubled by the notion that for progress to be made an elder (over 55!) must step away. Why must it be "either/or"? Why not "and"? When a group is deemed to be a deterrent to moving into the future because of age it send a powerful message to the largest part of our population that simply isn't true -- you have nothing of importance left to give. It is easier to shunt aside than to take the time to learn from each other. This is the vision of an inclusive society; the imporance of the knowledge and abilities regardless of age, gender, or race...even if they are younger! All this said, let's remember that Anna has stepped back before and reappeared in a different venue, as thought provoking as before. Anna, I hope you will join us!

I, too, am troubled by the notion that for progress to be made elders (over 55!) must step aside. Why must it be "either/or"? Why not "and"? In reshaping the world to be more inclusive and co-operative, little is learned when one group steps back because of age or gender. All can learn and grow together -- this is too much of a zero sum game. All that said, Anna has stepped back before and come back in a difference venue, no less thought-provoking. I sincerely hope she wil join us!

I have long been a fan and for the most part have found that your message resonates with my life choices. However, your recent column on "stepping aside" does not resonate. It is your right to move on and do something different, but to pose this choice as the direction other women (or men) of your age should follow so that others who are younger can take your place is very troubling. You earned your place and you work hard to keep it. It is yours for as long as you are willing to continue your efforts. You are sending a message that old women should move on and have something less valuable to give. I do not agree and object to this mind set. Please reconsider - this is not the message we want to send to our daughters.

I commend your decision. Wished your readers would listen to your words: "Throughout the country there seems to be an understanding that this is and ought to be a time of reinvention, in the economy, in education, in the office. But no one seems eager to reinvent on an individual level. "

I made the same decision, for the same reasons at 58 and I am happy and proud to have done it. Lots of new trails to blaze and gifts to share...Lots of opportunities for contributions and even some $$$.

Please write in a year or so and tell your readers it was the best decision and that you recommend it. You have a following and you can help change our society.

I am so thankful to you for speaking those words.

Susana

This would have been an "Anna" Sunday. I miss you.

I too am saddened by your departure from Newsweek. I have been a fan for many years. Next week when my daughter graduates from college I will give her a copy of "A Short Guide to a Happy Life", which is a favorite of mine. Thank you for sharing your wit and wisdom. I look forward to whatever you publish next.

I have loved reading your commentary in Newsweek and will greatly miss your insight, humor and perspective. I hope to still hear your voice in many other forums.

We love you Ms. Quidlen. You will be missed!

Please say it isn't so. I'm a 71-year-old white male liberal, a long-term subscriber to Newsweek and Ms. Quindlen's thoughtful entries are always the best thing in a very necessary magazine. If you must leave be aware that you will be sorely missed and I hope you will continue to contribute your mature advice and wisdom from time to time. Jerry Bailey, Murfreesboro, TN.

I subscribe to Newsweek so I can read Anna Quindlen. I just cam across her novel "Object Lessons" and devoured it in an afternoon. While I certainly understand her wanting to move on her absence will leave a void in the magazine. Her gentle humor and common sense were refreshing during the Bush era. As one read her column one envisioned the girlfriend next door working on her laptop at her kitchen table, breakfast dishes pushed out of the way, rather than the highly distinguised columnist that she really is. Anna, we have become good friends and now you are moving away. I am sad. I will miss you. Please keep in touch.

I must confess that I lean to your last word over that of your colleague (we won't mention names). I am in my early 20's and have been reading newsweek religiously for years. I would just like to say thanks for your time; as you've been part of shaping my ideology and hopefully others since the beginning. Now, I may not have always agreed with certain stances, but your pieces have always been a treat to read. For that, I am forever indebted. -Trinidad & Tobago