Letters: Sep. 18, 2000

Re the "big kiss": I find it hypocritical that Al Gore would resort to making out with his wife onstage to gain political capital. Especially considering that Tipper spearheaded the effort to censor popular-song lyrics. We had enough sexual politics with Bill Clinton. We don't need any Jerry Springer-style insight into the Gore marriage. TIM SOMERO New Ipswich, N.H.

Routine Checkup

Re Garrison Keillor's commentary "My Day at the Clinic" [ESSAY, Aug. 28]: I saw Keillor at the Mayo Clinic as I sat with my wife waiting for our appointments. He looked a little lost that day. I am happy to hear he is O.K. His low-key, nonalarming essay did a good job of summarizing the Mayo Clinic experience, though he did not really give credit to the dedicated professionals who work there. They are on the leading edge of miracles. WILLIAM. P. KING Cincinnati, Ohio

I am of Swedish descent, and it is no joke (although Keillor gets paid a premium to make fun of it) that we were raised not to toot our own horn. That characteristic makes visiting the doctor difficult, because in order to help yourself, you really need to say "It hurts" when it hurts, and not gloss it over by saying "I'm fine." If you're at the Mayo Clinic, the answer "I'm fine" may be polite, but you're not telling what is really going on. CAROLYN COLBORN Rochester, N.Y.

The Chill Is Gone

Comparing Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine to J.K. Rowling is like comparing a child's drawings to those of Picasso [BOOKS, Aug. 28]. Stine's books are written for children; when he attempted to write for young adults, he failed miserably. Rowling, on the other hand, is truly a writer for people of all ages. As her Harry Potter gets older, the language, plot and ideas grow with him. Stine is an important figure in children's literature, while Rowling is an important figure in literature, period. REONE KRAEMER North Salem, N.Y