A recent letter writer specifically denied that racism had anything to do with his vote for John McCain. He then went on to mock Barack Obama's choice of veteran advisers and cabinet members. He said Obama would be so intimidated by them that his side of any dialogue would be, "Do you want fries with that?"

At around the same time, al-Qaida leader Ayman Al-Zawahri contemptuously referred to Obama as a "house Negro."

I would think the letter writer should find it disquieting that both he and one of the most murderous terrorists in the world share the need to reduce a strong, brilliant, powerfully committed black president-elect to a "Stepin Fetchit" stereotype.

-- Margaret Benbow, Madison

Perpetual adoration article appreciated

Thank you State Journal and reporter Doug Erickson for the good news on Sunday's front page, "A perpetual act of prayer." The reporting was very respectful of the Catholic faith.

As the article mentioned, Holy Redeemer in Madison also has a chapel of perpetual adoration. There are also many other churches around the diocese (see www.madisondiocese.org) and all around the country (see www.therealpresence.org/chap_fr.htm) that have Eucharistic adoration for various hours throughout the week.

The Catholic faith is a treasure chest and it is refreshing to read about others who joyfully experience the treasures. Thank you for your good work.

-- Nick and Kay Ringelstetter, Prairie du Sac

Big Three continue to push gas hogs

As many of us did this past holiday weekend, I wasted a lot of time watching numerous football games and the advertising that went with them.

The Big Three automakers spent a lot trying to get us to buy a gas hog truck. Don't they know these things are going the way of the dinosaur?

If they devoted some attention to their hybrid lines and fuel-efficient cars, maybe we'd know what they had to offer and they could compete with foreign manufacturers. Continuing to push these trucks is a waste of their advertising dollars.

-- Richard Nawratil, Monona

A tale of two dogs - and their owners

The Nov. 26 State Journal told a tale of two dogs and their problems -- not with the dogs, but the owners.

Igor, the bull mastiff, misbehaved again and again. He was allowed to run where forbidden, he bit a person and killed a small dog treasured by its owners. He was sentenced to die.

That Igor is a frightening dog is clearly the fault of Gary Lohrke, his lax, remiss owner. Lohrke could redeem himself by appealing the sentence. The Alliance for Animals was working on finding an appropriate home for Igor at a reasonable expense. Please initiate the appeal.

Then Ginger, a pit bull owned by Jonathon Taylor, was allowed to run free. She bit a small terrier, and it took two police officers to corral her. She was returned to her owner.

I commend the officers for not confiscating her. However, Taylor must be a better owner to his dog. Pit bulls in particular need vigilance. Ginger values her life -- let her keep it. It's up to Taylor.

-- Theron Ris, Madison

Pack's future counts, not season record

Packers' general manager Ted Thompson received the brunt of the criticism for Brett Favre's departure. However, let's remember that professional football franchises are businesses.

In that regard, the Packers are hugely successful, making money year after year and managing salary cap issues in spectacular fashion while looking to the future. Fans who take the "win only this year" approach are doomed for mediocrity.

Aaron Rodgers is a fine young quarterback who needs game experience. We have arguably the best set of wide receivers in the league and remain the youngest team in the NFL. We have no pass rush, cannot stop the run and have outstanding, albeit aging, corners at starting positions.

In my opinion, the Packers are in outstanding position for the next five to 10 years.

I hope the Jets make it to the Super Bowl and lose. That way our compensation for Favre will improve to a number one pick, and the Jets can deal with the "am I coming back, I really don't know, I won't know until. . . well, I'll know when I know."

It's hard for any team to plan for the future with a QB with that attitude and in the NFL, you must plan for the future.

-- Rick Monson, Madison

Beware of school indoctrination

An English teacher, principal and guidance counselor at Pecatonica High School in Blanchardville feel it's their job to teach students the "value" of the homosexual lifestyle.

When confronted, both the teacher and principal said they were not "teaching" the students about homosexuality, but were just "informing" them. Based on that theory, can we next expect "information" on atheism, socialism, fascism and Nazism?

My son has shown me several books and worksheets with swearing, violence and sexual references from required English classes. Why can't the students read classic literature that contains the same lessons without all the filth?

I have received no answers to these questions or to why my tax dollars are being spent this way. Parents, look at your children's homework and assigned books. Ask teachers to show you everything being distributed. Vote intelligently for school board members and hold them accountable.

It's our job to stop this indoctrination.

-- Marilyn Hanson, Blanchardville