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Martha Stewart's prison sentence for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators is a stark reminder that if we fail to obey the law, we will suffer the consequences [July 26]. From time to time we need to be reminded of our moral responsibilities. Stewart could have avoided the scandal that enveloped her simply by taking the high road and admitting that she had made a mistake.
BRUCE WEINSTEIN
New York City

Formula for Boredom?

Michael Schumacher's dominance of Formula 1 racing is yawn inducing [July 26]. I grew up a big fan of F1 races and have enjoyed many years following the sport. Unfortunately, as more and more high-tech auto innovations were allowed, I began to lose interest. The racing was getting sterile, even boring. Now, with almost zero competition among the cars and drivers, you can count me as one whose interest is nonexistent.
LARRY BOLT
Fort Collins, Colo.

Division over Unions

Re columnist Andrew Sullivan's essay on the Senate's defeat of the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage [July 26]: For anyone to claim that the weddings of same-sex couples somehow tarnish the sanctity of marriage is absolutely ridiculous. How sacred is marriage when two people can be wed by an Elvis impersonator in a Las Vegas drive-through chapel? If gay marriage is such a threat and heterosexual marriage is so sacred, why isn't the religious right working to create a constitutional amendment to ban divorce, thus preserving the sanctity of marriage forever?
LOUIS FUENTES
San Antonio, Texas

Sullivan's argument that those who support the Federal Marriage Amendment are simply using the issue to mobilize President Bush's political base was absolutely absurd. This is an issue of morality, not politics. Those who oppose homosexual marriage do so because they believe it goes against God's will and because they believe children are healthiest and happiest when raised by a married mother and father. To use the issue to attack Bush is ludicrous and frighteningly divisive.
ELIZABETH HENDERSON
Tustin, Calif.

As a straight male who has been married for 18 years to the same woman and, with her, is raising three children, I fail to see how allowing gay marriage would degrade, in any way, my marriage. Considering what gays have to go through to get married, most gay couples who want to marry are probably less likely than straight couples to get divorced, since 50% of straight marriages fail.
MARK J. OLBERDING
Nevada, Iowa