Book It

I’m always surprised and impressed when the Flyer comes out
with one of its periodical “Endpapers” (Cover Story, December 3rd
issue). It’s rare that serious attention is paid to books, literature,
and reading in mainstream media these days. As usual, I found the
Flyer reviews insightful and last week’s issue a nice change of
pace. Thanks.

Ann Marie Cole

Memphis

Civility and Consensus

While there is much incivility and some hatred in our national
political discourse today (Editor’s Note, November 26th issue), these
sentiments are a walk in the park compared to the political and social
turmoil in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when political differences
and opposing social attitudes threatened to rip the country apart.
During that eventful time, the media played second fiddle to what was
happening in the streets.

Today, politics is all about media manipulation, hype, and
entertainment (intentional or not). Bruce VanWyngarden’s letter
notwithstanding, political discourse is much more sophisticated today,
because Americans have access to more information than the three
television networks/one daily newspaper media model of 40 years
ago.

Politics is a war of words, persuasion, and emotional appeal. While
extremists in the political spectrum gather some media attention, most
Americans weigh political messages and commentary carefully before
committing to a particular viewpoint on an issue. This assiduous
consideration is how the divisions of today become the consensuses of
tomorrow.

Randy Norwood

Memphis

As a fundamentalist for 65 years and board-certified psychiatrist
for 55 years, I would like to fulfill editor Bruce VanWyngarden’s
request (Editor’s Note, November 26th issue) for a “respectful and
civilized agreement to disagree.” Regarding his assertion about
fundamentalists’ alleged “veiled allusions to assassinating” President
Obama: I’ve known hundreds of fundamentalists, professionally and
personally, and know them to be committed to our Lord’s commandment to
love all men as He loves us, including those who radically differ with
us.

But I have known hundreds of liberals who favor and finance the
assassination of hundreds of thousands of unborn innocent babies. Does
it bother you if I dare you to retract or document your group character
assassination in your next editorial? Best wishes and prayers.

David F. Busby

Memphis

Freedom From Religion

Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation,
spoke in Memphis on December 3rd about separation of church and state.
Memphians should applaud the University of Memphis students of the
Campus Freethought Association for bringing and welcoming Barker to
Memphis. Barker has been working tirelessly (with both religious and
atheist/agnostic organizations) to educate people on and defend the
Constitution and separation of church and state.

I am proud of our University of Memphis students for spearheading
the efforts that brought in such a prominent speaker. In light of
comments from a certain Arlington mayor, I believe that separation of
church and state and our Constitution are more important than ever and
worth defending.

Jason W. Grosser

Cordova

Memphis Boys Town

In March 1939, the Rev. Vernon W. Lane, rector of the Episcopal
Church of the Good Shepherd located at the corner of Mill Avenue and
Fourth Street, was appointed the guardian of two troubled boys by the
judge of Juvenile Court, Camille Kelley. From that beginning evolved a
home which came to be known as Gailor Hall and eventually Memphis Boys
Town.

Due to family circumstances, in 1942 when I was 10, I had to be
temporarily placed at Gailor Hall. By 1944, my family situation had
improved, and I was able to be reunited with my family. Now at the age
of 77, I am wondering how many lads who lived at Gailor Hall and
Memphis Boys Town are still around. To facilitate the search for former
residents of Gailor Hall and Memphis Boys Town, I have established a
website named gailorhall-memphisboystownalumni.org.

I am asking that anyone who was a resident or who may have known
residents to log onto the site. There is a guest book to post memories
of the times at Gailor Hall and Memphis Boys Town. If enough former
residents can be located and interest is shown, a reunion may be
planned.

Paul Beck

Eagan, Minnesota