React

LETTERS ON THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

Hero Worship
I was touched by the story
about Staff Sergeant Matt
Keil’s sacrifice in Iraq
(“Welcome Home”). It was
heartwarming to hear that
so many friends, family
members, and volunteers
pitched in to build him a
customized high-tech home
after an enemy bullet left
him paralyzed. Those peo- Matt doesn’t like being called a hero, because,
ple are the unsung heroes
in this great nation.
he says, “I was just doing my job.” Sorry, Matt,
M ega n Wad as, but you are a hero in my eyes for serving our
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania country with honor. I admire his wife, Tracy, for
Pigging Out her devotion and steadfast commitment to
the man she loves. Karen Stark, Edmond, Oklahoma

I t’s an outright disgrace

that some of our elected
“public servants” are overindulged,
privileged, and corrupt—just like
some of the leaders in other coun-
tries that we have fought to change
(Outrageous! “Pushing Pork”).
PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOANNA B. PINNEO
It may be mismanagement of our
economy that turns us from the
world’s superpower to the world’s
super-debtor nation.
Larry Penner, Great Neck, New York

Earmarks and lobbying infractions

are scandalous and have no place Life Is Good
in America. Taxpayer money is
not petty cash.
Susa n O ’Rea r, Las Vegas, Nevada
T hese days, whenever I pick up
the newspaper, I read about an-
other company closing or more job

We Want to Hear from You!

If we publish your letter—whether it’s to comment on our content, sing our praises,
or take us to task—you’ll receive a free Reader’s Digest book or CD (courtesy of our
Books and Music division). Send your submissions to letters@readersdigest.com.
readersdigest.com 4/09 7
cuts. It can get depressing. But John
Tierney gave us ten reasons to be
thankful for the times we live in
(“It’s a Wonderful Life”). Now, be-
fore I tackle my next problem, I’ll
remember to count my blessings.
B etty Ann Surra tt, Fort Hill, South Carolina
Too often we get sucked into the
“woe is me” mode and need to be
reminded of how truly lucky we are.
Your article made me happier and
put me in a better mood.
Kobliner’s tips for reducing debt,
paying bills on time, and writing a
will were fantastic. As an insurance
and financial consultant, however,
I disagree with her advice on shop-
ping around for the best rate. I can
give clients my lowest rate, but is
it the right fit for their needs? Does
it protect their assets? The best pro-
fessional advice isn’t based solely on
price. Sterling Rask ie, Madison, Wisconsin
The Beat Goes On

Money Matters
R. P., via Internet
T he symptoms of a heart attack
can be tricky (“The Whole-
Family Guide to a Healthy Heart”).

I am glad I took Beth Kobliner’s

advice (“29 Money Basics”). I had
a credit card for two years with a
4.99 percent interest rate. Although
I have an excellent payment history,
my rate was raised to 13.99 percent.
I called to ask for a reduction. After
reviewing my record, the company
dropped it to 7.99 percent. I am so
glad that I fought back and won.
Lua nn Toni, Denver, Colorado
I suffered a heart attack when I was
26 (I even slept through part of it,
thinking it was bad heartburn). I
woke up in the ICU with shock pads
on my chest to find out one of my
arteries had a 90 percent blockage.
My doctors determined that my
overactive thyroid was to blame.
Young people need to be reminded
to take care of their heart health.
Preston Morris, Overland Park, Kansas

How to Reach Us >> Customer Care

Subscriptions, renewals,
>> Letters to To view the Reader’s
■
gifts, address changes,
the Editor Digest masthead, go payments, account
■ letters@readersdigest.com to readersdigest.com/ information, and inquiries:
■ React, Reader’s Digest, masthead. ■ readersdigest.com/help
Box 200, Pleasantville, >> Submissions ■ 877-732-4438
New York 10572-0200 For short humor items, ■ Reader’s Digest,
Include your full name, please see page 61. We Box 7825, Red Oak,
address, e-mail, and day- regret that we cannot Iowa 51591-0825
time phone number. We accept or acknowledge
may edit letters and use unsolicited artwork,
them in all print and photographs, or article-
electronic media. length manuscripts.

Continuing Education
P rofessor Ben Dunlap said it was
Sandor Teszler, his 90-year-old
student, who taught him more about
life than anyone he’d known (“The
Art of Living”). I am proud to say
that Teszler was my grandfather.
Mr. Dunlap has been a wonderful
friend to our family. I know my
grandfather would be overwhelmed
to learn that he has shared his
story with the world.
Roby n Tesz l er, Greenville, South Carolina
Penny Wise
T hank you for addressing the sad
disregard of President Lincoln’s
birthday (“My Two Cents”). Grow-
ing up in Illinois, I was taught to
love and respect this incredible
man. All government offices,
schools, and most businesses are
closed in order to pay respect to
him. But today there is little or no
celebration of his life, other than
Presidents’ Day sales.
Andrew A. Cross, Plano, Texas
Gift of Life
I t doesn’t surprise me that Nancy
Volk would donate a kidney to
one of her customers (The Digest:
“She Gave at the Deli”). We used to
work together at a group home for
people with developmental disabili-
ties, and she made everyone—staff
and residents—feel special. Nancy
is one in a million.
Ann Holmes, Maple Grove, Minnesota