Letters
Car Talk It was good to see some support for American cars (“Cars & Stripes Forever,” June 7). For 53 years, I’ve bought only American. I’ve driven each one more than 100,000 miles without significant problems. I like the style of most American cars, and as long as they continue to perform as they have and are competitive in price, I see no need to buy foreign.
Ted Bergey / Lexington
I am an engineer and worked on cars on weekends while in college. One Saturday, I was sent to a local dealer for a part, and he had two never-before-seen Japanese cars in the showroom. I popped their hoods and was impressed with the logical placement of serviceable components, instrumentation, driver ergonomics, materials, fit, and finish. I bought my first
Charles Boy / Everett
For years I consciously bought only “American” cars. Unlike Charles P. Pierce, I owned several Japanese cars early in my driving experience, so I knew what I was missing. I suffered through inferior cars with repetitive problems and lives of 100,000 miles or less. But I kept buying American. Today I own two Hondas. Why? Because I struggle with the definition of an American car. Am I better off buying a foreign-built car sold by an American company, thus enriching American management, or buying an American-built car sold by a Japanese company, thus enriching the American worker?
Anthony Capowski / Westford
I recently looked for a Levi’s jean jacket to replace my old one, which had been made in the United States. The new ones, like the one “accidental patriot” Pierce was wearing on your June 7 cover, are now made in Asia (as the flag he’s holding probably is!). Most Americans are oblivious to the origin of the articles they buy and care only about price. Ford will probably get a boost when they reintroduce the fuel-efficient Fiesta next year. The other two American-car behemoths haven’t a clue what Americans need or want.
Gary Lowe / Portsmouth, New Hampshire
I’m a
but lately I hesitate to say where I worked. The media have become so hateful toward auto workers and the vehicles they build. I was a single mother; my company gave me livable wages and benefits to help support my son, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Rebecca Collins / Holly, Michigan
Dance Lessons I found it incredibly moving to read that Judy Lawrence’s cousin and his wife were willing to put aside their plans for the benefit of a little girl (Coupling, June 7). It’s this type of situation that again proves it truly does take a village. Kudos to Billy and his wife, Sheryl, as well as to Lawrence for doing all in their power to raise a happy little girl.
Sarah Lovett / Natick
A touching story, but doesn’t anyone recognize how inappropriate a dance “soiree” is for 7-year-olds? Their running-around behavior speaks to their developmental age: Why rush them into such a ridiculous social situation? This ranks right up there with spa makeover birthday parties for 8-year-olds and sexy little preteen rock stars. Father-daughter events should be well outdated in this era of the single parent or same-gender-parent couples. Family picnic day would accomplish the same thing without the emotional pain and inappropriate values displayed here.
Carolyn Bishop / Belmont
It’s All Relative Jack Cheng’s “Say Uncle” essay (Parenting Traps, June 7) really hit home: My husband and I enjoy a similar relationship with our granddaughters. Extended family of all types are a gift to children -- I bet Jack’s nephew enjoyed “nephewing” as much as he enjoyed “uncling”! With families spread all over the world these days, such interactions are more important than ever.
Anne Banks / Rowley
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