Column on Pope

Wasn't Funny

Because I have a sense of humor, I failed to see any humor in Dusty Rhoades' column of March 3 ("Pope Gets His Exit Interview").

You have in the past published cartoons ridiculing and misrepresenting the Catholic Church and in particular the Holy Father.

I am not aware of your ever having done anything similar to any other religion. If you are looking for scandal, you will find it there and in greater percentages. You will find the same thing in other professions.

I am not surprised that someone would write such a piece, but I am surprised that you would publish it.

Monsignor Jeffrey A. Ingham

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

Southern Pines

Pain to Catholics

It distresses me to feel constrained that I must write this message to you.

The March 3 column by Dusty Rhoades concerning Pope Benedict Emeritus causes pain to me and your Catholic subscribers.

Mr. Rhoades has a right to write such and present it for publication. However, I feel that your position as guardians of the press would protect your readership from the harm that ensues.

I am not suggesting that you engage in censorship when facts are presented for publication, yet I suggest that you engage in civility and gentility when such is demanded.

Monsignor Frank J. Hendrick

Pinehurst

Cycle of Abuse

My column "Toward a Kinder Generation" (Feb. 6) was about the need for better education of parents to help break the cycle of abuse and neglect of children, which results in a cycle of abuse in future generations.

I have learned that we who express our opinions in print to The Pilot can learn a great deal from the responses. People respond in several ways: through the "Discuss" avenue on the Internet; in future Opinion letters to The Pilot which refer to one's words; and phone calls to discuss some aspect of one's words.

"Discuss" bloggers don't use their real names. "Nothing Special" said that my column was right on target and even offered support to all parents. Two other bloggers wanted the "good old days" when children were better behaved.

One unknown phone caller wanted to know only one thing about the abusive parent, "Was that woman black?" When I said, "No, she was white," his retort revealed prejudice.

One letter, "Educating Parents To Do What?" (Feb. 15), said my column was reasonable and logical until I mentioned the name Michelle Obama. With a stretch that made no sense, she went on a diatribe against President Obama.

What did I learn from feedback? One who changes the subject to the good old days is not ready to deal with the present; one who is prejudiced is another problem, a big problem; one who uses my column as a jumping-off place to turn a family matter into angry politics needs anger management counseling.

"Nothing Special" taught me that she and other Baby Boomers are poised to help all parents meet the challenge of effective parenting. God bless her.

Hilda Mitchell

Pinebluff