Letters: Dec. 25, 2006

(4 of 6)

The title of your article on the aspirations of Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney--"Can a Mormon Be President?" [Dec. 4]--is a telling indictment of our current political culture. Our nation's Founding Fathers drew up a Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. It made us the envy of the world, and it is one of the reasons we have become a great nation. And yet centuries later, we are still mired in the mistaken idea that a person's spiritual beliefs have anything to do with whether he or she is a good American. We should judge our leaders by their competence and character, not by their faith. JOHN BOYLAN Los Angeles

Romney can take heart in one regard: having no faith would be far more damaging, as indicated by polls on the chances of nonbelieving candidates. I find that ironic, given that Mormon leaders are apparently scurrying to emphasize their commonality with mainstream Christians, while nonbelievers simply ask for evidence to support belief. As a voter, I want to know just how grounded in reality a potential candidate is. Claims of direct links to the will of God have caused more harm than good of late. JEANNE DYER Foxboro, Mass.

Romney doesn't have to explain anything about his beliefs and testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What he does have to explain is his stance on Iraq, the plight of schools and the economy. These are the important issues to tackle. LES CRUE Germantown, Md.

A Stitch (Back) in Time

I am pleased to see that the lost art of sewing is making a comeback [Dec. 4]. I have had a passion for sewing since my youth, and last summer I opened a center to teach the art of sewing. I'm surprised how far people drive to take my classes. Most of my students are young, and I get so much pleasure from watching them develop the enthusiasm I found so many years ago. For people who are creative and need a new hobby, sewing is "sew" much fun. CINDY FETZER Hollywood, Fla.

I am blessed to have been able to teach sewing throughout my 15-year career in the schools. I have reached the special-needs student, the reluctant learner and the academically gifted, all of whom feel a great sense of accomplishment and confidence as they complete their sewing projects. Some even have dreams of a career in the fashion world. I applaud TIME for bringing this great lost art to light. DARLENE BURESCH Crystal Lake, Ill.

Some of us have never left sewing, as we grew up with it, have needed it for financial ease and liked its creative versatility. My 4-year-old granddaughter, after embroidering her initials on a little pillow she stuffed and sewed, helped me oil my sewing machine and is making lavender-filled fabric packets to give as Christmas presents. To her, it's just one more skill to learn and have fun with. MARIE T. GASS Clackamas, Ore.

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