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Defining Patriotism Richard Stengel's "The New Patriotism" was helpful in understanding the theme of this presidential election [July 7]. Upholding American ideals makes us better, but candidates tend to look for hot buttons to create fear. We need a definition of patriotism that recognizes our nation's proud heritage but sees how much better we can be. Steven A. Ludsin, EAST HAMPTON, N.Y.
Nowhere in Peter Beinart's article did I see mention of the word nationalism, which is what much of far-right patriotism really is. It is not healthy to say, "I love my country, right or wrong." I love my country too--and I am not ashamed to acknowledge its mistakes as well as its accomplishments. Mark Fagerburg, RICHMOND, VA.
The issue is not how patriotism should be expressed but whether it is a positive force in the world. I don't think it is. Patriotism is what kept the media from questioning plans for invading Iraq before the war started. Fear of being labeled unpatriotic is what kept more legislators from voting against authorizing its invasion. The U.S. has a long history of not living up to its ideals because more importance is placed on shallow expressions of honor and love of country than on making sure all people are treated equitably. Mary Brewerton, DENVER
Understanding Fragile X Claudia Wallis' article "The Fragile X Factor" provides a compelling view of a simple single-gene disorder that has turned out to be far more complicated than anyone imagined [July 7]. Biologically, the gene has ripple effects throughout the brain. For families, it has ripple effects across generations. Many doctors, teachers and therapists know too little about it to provide appropriate care. Thank you for helping raise public awareness. Don Bailey, President of the Board of Directors, National Fragile X Foundation CHAPEL HILL, N.C.
Thank you for printing such an informative and optimistic article about fragile X syndrome. My 10-year-old son has fragile X with autism and adhd. I look forward to when we can shout from the mountaintops that we have a treatment. Jennifer Nardo, HOCKESSIN, DEL.
Parsing the "Pregnancy Pact" Nancy Gibbs' circumscribed view of responsibility cannot be labeled surprising in a society that still castigates women and girls for their sexual behavior [July 7]. Yet she too eagerly embraces the archaic idea that the only proper way to "take responsibility for the consequences" of heterosexual sex is to carry an unplanned pregnancy to term. In the life of a pregnant high school girl, "taking responsibility" may mean walking through the school hallways heavy into her ninth month, case-managing her abortion or giving up a child for adoption without ever seeing him. We can have compassion for young women in these situations without passing judgment on their lives and their futures. Erin Kate Ryan, Board of Directors, Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund BOSTON
There are three ways that women and teenagers can take responsibility for a pregnancy: abortion, adoption or parenting. One option is not more responsible than the others. Each is a valid choice, as long as the chosen path is the best for the individual pregnant woman. And that is her decision to make. Kelli Conlin, President, National Institute for Reproductive Health, NEW YORK CITY
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