HNN Readers React

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To send a letter to HNN, look for "Letter to the Editor" link in the small box in the upper right-hand corner of every article in HNN.

More on Oprah

(Re: Oprah, Anti-Vagina, Anti-Sex, Humanist Network News, July 8, 2009.)

In response to Ms. Harrison's letter about Oprah "Women and sexuality", she states that Oprah was subjected to sexual abuse "at an early age by a relative, for several years".

Do we know that this is true? As I recall there was some question about this a few years back.  If I am wrong, I most humbly apologize.

However,  I think it possible that the "circumlocutions" are more due to FCC censorship, the time of day that the show is on, the (presumed) sensibilities of the (assumed) audience, etc. etc. etc.

Note that I am not using this to excuse Oprah's content;  simply pointing out that the content may be shaped, at least in part, by considerations other than clinical accuracy.

--Ed Oleen, Bronx, N.Y.

Please add link to HNN

I love the fresh new look of the new site, and the emails. AHA produces one of the few newsletters that I read from beginning to end each and every time I get one. However since the changes (06/2009) it has been missing one important and useful thing. There used to be a link in the newsletter that allowed you to read all of the articles in one place. Because of this I've become slightly less likely to view all of the content contained in the newsletter. Can we have this link back please?

--Nick Fotopoulos, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

(Editor's Note: Our tech team is working on it. We know it was much more user-friendly the other way.  We ask for your patience.)

Harry Potter and humanism

Dear Editor,

I'm an avid listener of HNN and love the way your team brings compassion and creativity to the non-religious. I'm writing to you today because I have a suggestion. With the release of the new Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie I've been reviewing what it is I love so much about the series. I've come to the conclusion that of all things I've read, Harry Potter has had the largest impact on my expansion as an atheist and humanist. My hope is that you could find an expert (possibly even Ms. Rowling herself) and explore the ways in which Harry Potter not only could be interpreted as humanist literature but how these ideas have permeated into the youth culture (for the better, I think). Thank you so much for your time and please keep up the fantastic work!

Your friend,
Bo

--Bo Johnson, Columbus, Ohio

Groveling vs. Clarification

(Re: Letters to the Editor, Humanist Network News, July 15, 2009.)

Reply to Drew Duncan: Drew,old boy, your response to my letter shows that youve misinterpreted what I was getting at.

Since there is no empirical evidence to prove or disprove the existence of a Superman, it comes down to individual knowledge. I  have absolutely no problem with anyone who is convinced that Sperman exists in a physical  sense. However,Ii do draw the line when anyone behaves as though Sperman is part of "my" world. This behavior is delusional and the best that I can do for that mindset is to show that they are acting on a personal illusion. Their God and Satan can't touch me!

Most important and horrifying is that this behavior is so pervasive in our culture and is encouraged by the controlling interests! Why?

Napoleon Bonaparte said, "Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."

How true.

What drives this irrational behavior of religions? I believe it's  greed, narcissism and fear of dying. So, with my knowledge and understanding of religion, with its purpose, I either let it go and laugh (i mean really!), or sink into depression and desperation.  I prefer to take it lightly! As for you, Drew, well, have at it!  Just don't wave your flag in my face!

--Billy Brakatselos, Ajo, Ariz.