Inbox

Kiss Me, Kate

Mark Harris’ agreeable article on Kate Winslet ignores one of her defining cinematic achievements: her first film, Peter Jackson’s classic New Zealand epic Heavenly Creatures [March 2]. The strength of this performance, and the manner in which she brought to life the notorious Christchurch schoolgirl Juliet Hulme, was deeply striking. One can only gape in awe at the growth in ability she has shown from such an auspicious beginning. Victor Ochoa, DANVILLE, ILL.

Healing a National Wound

Senator Patrick Leahy’s advocacy for a truth commission, charged with uncovering facts about alleged torture and civil-liberties abuses by the Bush Administration, is warranted [March 2]. Despite all that is right about our country, it is painfully clear that we tend to set aside the moral and ethical breaches in our history. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up in South Africa in the aftermath of apartheid was designed to encourage a national catharsis of a shameful past. Most agree that the effort was worthwhile. Some would say there can be no forgiveness without repentance. The Bush-Cheney Administration was arrogant to the very end. Perhaps it is time to establish our own version of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission so that we can truly move on. G. Patrick Thompson, ROSEVILLE, MICH.

The idea of a truth-finding panel is an excellent one, but it would help our understanding to study whether the torture and other alleged illegal activities actually prevented terrorist attacks. I think Dick Cheney and George W. Bush were violating the law and the Constitution but sincerely believed this was necessary to protect the American people. Was it? Investigating this issue might vindicate them. It also might not. Sara Brown, CLINTON, N.J.

Leahy Soothed a still sore wound in me. Here’s my vote to form a truth commission–and my wife’s too, and my children’s. It’s never too late to tell the truth. John Wrobleski, PORT TOWNSEND, WASH.

Who Decides on Childbirth?

Thank you for your article on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) [March 2]. I gave birth to my son in 2007 and felt pressured into a cesarean after 12 hours of labor. I regretted it later. Not all women who have a C-section elect to do so, and they should be given the chance to try again “the old-fashioned way.” Rebecca Morris, SIOUX FALLS, S.D.

Weeks before my due date, I switched to ob-gyn Joseph Tate, a well-known supporter of VBACs in Georgia. He was confident in my ability to have a VBAC, and in July 2008 I did. He has developed a huge following as a result of his low C-section rate, his willingness to take on hard cases and an approach that allows a woman to go into labor when her body is ready and to labor as long as she needs to. He is a hero to women who want to birth the way nature intended and on their terms. Dr. Tate’s record of success belies the VBAC scare tactics by doctors who want women to schedule deliveries for their own convenience. Kate Sandhaus, ATLANTA

You glossed over the impact of malpractice lawsuits in the decline of VBAC births. Parents sign a detailed form stating that they fully understand the risks that can occur with a VBAC, but when their choice results in a tragic loss or injury, they often seek to blame the doctor or hospital. Larry Kincheloe, M.D., OKLAHOMA CITY

An Equal Footing on Health Care

In the story “Obama’s Rx for the budget,” you quote the President as saying, “Medicare and Medicaid on their current trajectory cannot be sustained” [March 2]. In my opinion, the only fair way to create a new medical program is to have Congress give up its current coverage and create a program that its members too will participate in. Marilyn Steinhart, BALLWIN, MO.

The Bad-Boss Focus Group

Re TIME’s story on blowhard bosses [March 2]: Did the group of researchers at Berkeley really have to recruit students to demonstrate that “leadership is often loudership” and “bigmouths take charge”? Haven’t they ever heard of Congress? Robert L. Sullivan, STOUGHTON, MASS.

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