Ever since my first trip abroad where I discovered thermal-pane windows and nearly universal use of backpacks and mopeds by Europeans, I've questioned why the United States doesn't learn more from other countries. I've tried to share some brilliant ideas with my high school students, including soda pop sold in plastic bags instead of cans, which cuts down on trash in Guatemala.
VIRGINIA WILKINS
Denver
Why doesn't America adopt the progressive policies of enlightened Europe? We could have 35-hour workweeks, five-week vacations, lavish government benefits, and free healthcare! We could also have the declining economy, crushing taxes, massive unemployment, and low-quality medical services that go with it. Those pleasure-loving, aging Europeans face a crumbling welfare state and an angry Muslim minority set to be majority by midcentury. Goodbye, Eurotopia.
KERRY CLINKENBEARD
Wichita, Kan.
After visiting a number of European countries, it is both frustrating and disheartening to see the United States slipping behind. The thread that links many of your stories' examples is a description of policies that were once a primary American ideal: the greatest good for the greatest number of people. By contrast, the United States seems to be headed in the direction of providing first for the well-connected, for corporate behemoths, for career politicians, and only then for ordinary citizens. We have much to be thankful for, but we cannot arrogantly put on blinders while other nations move ahead of us. There are hard decisions to be made, and we can no longer put them off.
JEFF KARPINSKI
King of Prussia, Pa.
The "How They do it Better" series of articles was enlightening and enjoyable. Now all we need is an administration in Washington, D.C., that acknowledges the ideas and attributes of cultures other than their own. Perhaps then our lives will improve.
BOB HEATON
Muskegon, Mich.
The Amish Example
"Moving On" [March 26-April 2], about Amish forgiveness of last fall's tragedy "that transfixed the world," called to mind a sermon I heard near the anniversary of 9/11: "What if, instead of seeking vengeance, we had stood together in human pain, looking honestly at the shared sin and sadness we suffered? Won't work, many would have said, but on the other hand, will anything short of radical forgiveness ever end the violence and create peace?" Your article quoted an Amish expert as saying "the Amish would argue that forgiveness is the central teaching of Jesus. They will take you to the Lord's Prayer-if you don't forgive, you won't be forgiven." Religious leaders appealed to President Bush for a more Christian response to 9/11 and attempted to dissuade him from the invasion of Iraq. Our actions have displaced millions, killed innocents, and recruited thousands of Muslims to the terrorists' cause. It is time to recognize that the Israeli/Palestinian issue is a root cause and must be addressed. I yearn for "one nation, under God" to be restored.
ANN JACOBI
Belton, Texas
After reading "Moving On," I couldn't help but wonder what our country would be like if after 9/11 we and our leaders had followed a similar course of forgiveness. I applaud the Amish people of Nickel Mines, Pa., and truly hope that these fellow Americans can teach the rest of us by their fine example.
JIM MYRON
Bethel Park, Pa.
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