Letters to the Editor

Readers write about religious leadership in Iraq, illegal immigration, an impending crisis in Sudan, and culture references across the generations.

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Dan Walker
Denver

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Sudan faces a second crisis

In regard to the May 27 Opinion piece, "Stand up to Sudan's thugs": This piece is an excellent reminder of the importance to the US and other developed nations of peace in Sudan.

While understandably focused on the Darfur peace process, author Eric Reeves missed an opportunity to warn of the growing tension and impending crisis in South Sudan. If the Bashir government is obstructionist and genocidal in Darfur, it doesn't take much foresight to predict its position in the impending 2011 plebiscite or election prior to that vote. The resource-rich South is being eagerly exploited by the Chinese and Russians. Their support of the Bashir regime will not waver even if it means a renewal of the civil war which will double the horrific actions in Darfur.

The Monitor will do a great service by continuing to cover the growing danger posed by Sudan, not only in Darfur, but throughout the country.

Robert Shea
Rochester, N.Y.

Young people get old culture, too

In regard to the May 26 Opinion piece, "Do you know who Captain Queeg, Howard Beale, and Chauncey Gardner are?": As a 25-year-old who doesn't consider herself more culturally aware than most, I was deeply insulted by this commentary. Just because one is not middle-aged does not mean one is completely clueless about cultural history.

History is not lost on the younger generations simply because we have more technology to keep us occupied. To assume that we don't know who Annie Oakley and Captain Queeg are is a slap in the face to those who are familiar with all of the references made in this piece. So be careful when throwing out stereotypes; just because you think you're speaking a foreign language when speaking to "kids these days" doesn't mean we aren't fluent in it, as well.

Megan Carroll
Lawrence, Kan.

The Monitor welcomes your letters. All submissions are subject to editing. Letters must include your full name; your city, state, and country; and your telephone number. Any letter accepted may appear on our website, www.CSMonitor.com. E-mail letters to oped@csps.com. Or mail letters to Readers Write, 210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.