I'm a little late getting to the Aug. 27-Sept. 9 issue, but I want to express my appreciation for the church and state editorial. Your creative treatment of the issue prompted me to think about it in new ways. Our tendency to conflate religious and patriotic fervor needs constant checking, which your editorial helpfully provided. Keep the faith.
Dave Healy
St. Paul, MN
Real comfort
I appreciate the topics and profiles you've been running in recent months. Thank you for capturing the thoughts and perspectives of so many bold Minnesota women. These women challenge both themselves and the reader.
I want to particularly commend Susan Raffo on the column, "The Whiteness of a Toddler" [MWP Sept. 10-23]. Bringing up the topic of racism is great, giving specific and understandable examples is even better. By giving examples involving young people, the early racist conditioning becomes clear.
I can see where the topic of racism might make white readers uncomfortable. I would argue, however, that white people are already uncomfortable and that these discussions will lead to real comfort.
Linda Brandt
Brooklyn Park, MN
Haddayr goes far
Thank you for publishing the letter by Haddayr Copley-Woods [MWP August 13-26]. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated hearing her perspective, and the far-reaching impacts of your publishing her letter.
I am a single, gay, adoptive father. I have one son and am considering a second child. My son is just reaching school age and I've decided we will not live amongst the Conservative Corn People of Indiana any longer. My son must enter kindergarten a year from now, so my search for a new city has begun in earnest.
During a recent gathering of gay and lesbian parents (Labor Day, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) I was encouraged by parents to consider the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. I do like the Midwestern way of life, but need to be in a more diverse and accepting area. When we returned from vacation, a friend had sent me the letter written by Ms. Copley-Woods. Her letter confirmed for me that Minneapolis-St. Paul will definitely be on our list for consideration.
Thanks for publishing the letter, not just for myself, but hopefully it had other far-reaching impacts as well. We'll be in town soon to check this out!
