I have traveled a great deal, most recently in South and Central America, but elsewhere as well. I have rarely met anyone who openly expressed hatred for America or Americans, though some have expressed disagreement with political policies. I think many Americans are too touchy about what others may think of them. Disdain for neighboring countries is the norm everywhere that I have gone and it shouldn't be surprising when you see it. Also, America bashing is sometime resorted to by the intelligencia and the politically active, as a way to distract attention from their own responsibility, or helplessnes as the case may be, regarding their national shortcomings. Some Americans in foreign countries are apologetic for their nationality. That is so unseemly and, I think, not usually appreciated. I think most people the world over expect a person to be loyal to his/her country and find it a little bit embarrasing for someone to be apologising, even if they agree with them. I would rather be respected than liked, and apologising for your country is no way to gain respect. All in all, I am immensly greatful for the good things I have experienced and learned from the people in other countries. My travel has made me appreciate not only what we have here in the States, but also what they have to offer of their own culture for our enlightenment.
Louis Acker
How The World Sees America
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Williston, Vermont
I hope NEWSWEEK's excellent story on dyslexia will be a wake-up call to those teachers who blame slow readers for their problem. I remember a teacher who told me, "Elizabeth, there is a special hell for students who are smart enough to do the work, but just won't." She might be surprised now that I am the author of seven mystery novels featuring a sleuth who is a memory-trick expert. We dyslexics are creative because we have to be!
Elizabeth Daniels Squire
Weaverville, North Carolina
Congratulations to NEWSWEEK for tackling dyslexia and for explaining the medical and scientific implications of on-going research into this disability. While the story provided an in-depth analysis of techniques that may help students with dyslexia tackle the printed page, I was disappointed that you did not mention textbooks on tape as another important educational resource. While there are many effective reading strategies for students with dyslexia, we must draw a distinction between "learning to read" and "reading to learn." Studies show that reading speed and comprehension are improved when students with dyslexia can see and hear the words simultaneously. More than 50,000 students with dyslexia in more than 3,000 schools around the United States used taped textbooks from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic last year. These students can surely attest to the value of this unique accommodation.
Richard O. Scribner
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