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Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.
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Things To Love About the 'Chronicle'

RECEIVED Wed., Dec. 28, 2011

Dear Jordan Smith.
    Your four-page investigative report ["Scene of the Crime," News] in the Dec. 16 issue was astounding. And please pass on to Louis Black condolences and best recovery wishes. Grasping a new Chronicle I access: Barbaro's soccer, Click and Clack (passé), "News of the Weird," Jordan Smith – no connection to the aforementioned, yours usually longer to read.
    And I love the down-to-earth American Apparel ads! (And have tried to tell them so.) Wishing the best. And also I really like the "regular" language you use. I have a daughter who authors in regular language. The best for 2012!
Regards,
Paul Birdsall

Respect People of Other Faiths

RECEIVED Mon., Dec. 26, 2011

Dear Editor:
    Soon the people of Texas will be driving with new license plates on their cars, plates symbolizing the Christian faith. It tells me that officials who made the approval lacked respect and sensitivity to others of different faith.
    History will recall that in late October 1944, in the height of World War II, the now famed Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion were ordered to rescue the Lost (141st) Texas Battalion trapped on all sides by German troops near Biffontaine, France. Tired and worn from previous days of combat, they slogged through freezing rain and mud, fighting their way to rescue the Texans. After five days and five nights of some of the fiercest combat ever seen, suffering more than 800 casualties, they rescued the 211 remaining Texans. For their gallantry, heroism, and sacrifices on this battlefield and many others, the Japanese-American soldiers became Americas most decorated men, garnering 21 Congressional Medals of Honor. I mention this because the vast majority of these men who served their country faithfully were of Buddhist faith. These Japanese-American soldiers fought to preserve Americans freedom, fought to bring justice for their families, and, yes, fought for the right to be respected for their faith.
    Is it un-American to be not of Christian faith? Is it right to spend taxpayers money to promote our Christian faith? Many of us need to be reminded that America's greatness lies in the diversity of its people, people of different faith and color who
   contribute to make all lives better. This symbol on a state license plate is an affront to those who made the supreme sacrifice for this country. It is an affront to my friends and relations of Buddhist faith. (Will you accept or tolerate a Star of David or a symbol of Buddha on a license plate?)
    What all of us need to do is practice a little more respect for others, and have sensitivity too. Yes, I am a Christian of strong faith in God, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and have a love for my country and, yes, respect for people of other faiths.
Roy U. Ebihara
Oberlin, Ohio

Mystified by Bob Love

RECEIVED Mon., Dec. 26, 2011

Dear Editor,
    As a visitor to Austin, and one who is thrilled by all that the local music scene has to offer, I share Patrick Doyle's mystification about the infatuation with Bob Schneider ["Reader Comments," Dec. 23]. We saw him in Sebastopol, Calif., in the fall and were not impressed. But then, we aren't 13-year-old boys who giggle and guffaw when they hear people talk about their boners. We continue to have a great musical adventure in Austin sans Schneider's bad case of juvenilia.
Michael Funke
Bend, Ore.
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