How The World Sees America

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Real or Reinvented? After the New Hampshire primaries, the question was: "Who reinvented Al Gore?" Reinvented him to gleam and shoot sparks, that is. Your article "Smiles and Sharp Elbows" (U.S. AFFAIRS, Jan. 31) lists his brilliant team, who may very well have encouraged him to use the word "fight" repeatedly. But pull out your video of Gore at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on Jan. 15, 1998--and look at those sparks! When let out of the closet as vice president on a personal mission, he had a crowd of 3,000 African-Americans on their feet, cheering and laughing. Not a mean feat for a white man, and on Martin Luther King Day. We haven't been allowed to see the real Al Gore, a passionate and complex man who will be the next American president.

Nora R. Safran

Charlottesville, Virginia

Don't Be Daunted by Dyslexia As headmaster of a school for learning-disabled adolescents, I was excited to see your story devoted to dyslexia ("Dyslexia and the New Science of Reading," SOCIETY & THE ARTS, Jan. 31). I applaud your insight and courage in objectively reporting on a very complex subject. Although dyslexia is labeled a "learning disability," it is best approached as a "learning difference." Sound remedial practices coupled with emotional and social support allow students to see themselves as valued learners with unique talents to offer society. I hope that your article will alert parents and teachers to the need for early detection and remediation before the student suffers from unfortunate labeling and isolation. Thank you for helping educate the public on an issue that has long been misunderstood at the expense of our children and society.

Douglas Dague

Pine Ridge School

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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

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Posted By: tin can man @ 10/28/2008 11:17:22 PM

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