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| Version 13 | Version 14 |
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| The Comedy We Need Right Now | The Comedy We Need Right Now |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Re “He’s Now ‘Post-Show-Business’” (Arts pages, May 5): | Re “He’s Now ‘Post-Show-Business’” (Arts pages, May 5): |
| In your interview, Jerry Seinfeld talked about his new Netflix special, and comedy in general, during the pandemic. I wasn’t surprised to read that Seinfeld doesn’t like “home show business,” or “homey shows,” the kind most of us are getting used to seeing on Instagram Live, Facebook Live and YouTube. | In your interview, Jerry Seinfeld talked about his new Netflix special, and comedy in general, during the pandemic. I wasn’t surprised to read that Seinfeld doesn’t like “home show business,” or “homey shows,” the kind most of us are getting used to seeing on Instagram Live, Facebook Live and YouTube. |
| Even “Saturday Night Live” has patched together remote episodes, with the cast and team recording, editing and producing from home. | Even “Saturday Night Live” has patched together remote episodes, with the cast and team recording, editing and producing from home. |
| I agree with Seinfeld that it is sort of “depressingly normal” to see my favorite comedians in their houses wearing bad costumes and blurry camera angles. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. These days I don’t feel like laughing until my stomach hurts, but there is something powerful about seeing comedians filming from their living rooms. | I agree with Seinfeld that it is sort of “depressingly normal” to see my favorite comedians in their houses wearing bad costumes and blurry camera angles. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. These days I don’t feel like laughing until my stomach hurts, but there is something powerful about seeing comedians filming from their living rooms. |
| On S.N.L.’s “Weekend Update” recently, Michael Che looked as if he needed a big hug, and you know what? So do I. The jokes don’t punch as hard right now, but the chuckle of recognition from seeing a glimmer of ourselves in another is what we need. | On S.N.L.’s “Weekend Update” recently, Michael Che looked as if he needed a big hug, and you know what? So do I. The jokes don’t punch as hard right now, but the chuckle of recognition from seeing a glimmer of ourselves in another is what we need. |
| Juliane CaseyNew YorkThe writer is an aspiring comedian. | Juliane CaseyNew YorkThe writer is an aspiring comedian. |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| There is no time like a pandemic to have a courageous conversation with yourself about what is really important in your life. Here is a most thoughtful way for you to confront your fears and convey your feelings to the person you love in these uncertain times. | There is no time like a pandemic to have a courageous conversation with yourself about what is really important in your life. Here is a most thoughtful way for you to confront your fears and convey your feelings to the person you love in these uncertain times. |
| Write him or her a letter with this at the top: “A Love Letter for Covid Times.” | Write him or her a letter with this at the top: “A Love Letter for Covid Times.” |
| Dear … | Dear … |
| I love you. | I love you. |
| I don’t want to die, but if I do, I want you to know that … | I don’t want to die, but if I do, I want you to know that … |
| Then tell that person what he or she means to you. What are your fears? What are your dreams? Be passionate, positive and proactive. Write with honesty, humor and hope. Be kind. | Then tell that person what he or she means to you. What are your fears? What are your dreams? Be passionate, positive and proactive. Write with honesty, humor and hope. Be kind. |
| Then give, mail, email or Zoom the letter. Enjoy the peace of mind of sharing your innermost thoughts. Don’t be surprised if you get a letter in return. | Then give, mail, email or Zoom the letter. Enjoy the peace of mind of sharing your innermost thoughts. Don’t be surprised if you get a letter in return. |
| Hopefully your “love letter for Covid times” will be read together with the person you love for a long time to come. | Hopefully your “love letter for Covid times” will be read together with the person you love for a long time to come. |
| But there are no guarantees. Write your letter today; tomorrow may be too late. | But there are no guarantees. Write your letter today; tomorrow may be too late. |
| Stephen R. SrokaLakewood, OhioThe writer is president of Health Education Consultants and an adjunct assistant professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. | Stephen R. SrokaLakewood, OhioThe writer is president of Health Education Consultants and an adjunct assistant professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Re “Why Trump’s Ploy Stopped Working,” by David Brooks (column, May 1): | Re “Why Trump’s Ploy Stopped Working,” by David Brooks (column, May 1): |
| At 76, I think back to similar times when the country was unified facing tremendous challenges: the Great Depression of the 1930s (I wasn’t born until 1943, but my parents talked about it until they died 50 years later); World War II and 9/11. But each instance was followed by reassuring events and personages: the New Deal, Rosie the Riveter, an exhausted firefighter covered with the debris from the towers — all these images of a united America that sustained and nourished our spirit. | At 76, I think back to similar times when the country was unified facing tremendous challenges: the Great Depression of the 1930s (I wasn’t born until 1943, but my parents talked about it until they died 50 years later); World War II and 9/11. But each instance was followed by reassuring events and personages: the New Deal, Rosie the Riveter, an exhausted firefighter covered with the debris from the towers — all these images of a united America that sustained and nourished our spirit. |
| Today it is the heroism of our dedicated medical communities. We are also united by our compassion by our fellow citizens who have died from the virus. Thanks to Mr. Brooks for reminding us of the strength that emanates from our united love of country and our fellow citizens. | Today it is the heroism of our dedicated medical communities. We are also united by our compassion by our fellow citizens who have died from the virus. Thanks to Mr. Brooks for reminding us of the strength that emanates from our united love of country and our fellow citizens. |
| Christine O’ConnellOahu, Hawaii | Christine O’ConnellOahu, Hawaii |
| To the Editor: | To the Editor: |
| Re “‘Why the Caged Bird’ Falls Silent: A School Board Is Cutting Classics” (news article, April 30): | Re “‘Why the Caged Bird’ Falls Silent: A School Board Is Cutting Classics” (news article, April 30): |
| Although it was not the intention, an Alaska school district’s ban on five books will promote reading of these marvelous books. These books — “The Great Gatsby,” “Catch-22,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Invisible Man” and “The Things They Carried” — needed no such promotion since they have all been widely read and appreciated. | Although it was not the intention, an Alaska school district’s ban on five books will promote reading of these marvelous books. These books — “The Great Gatsby,” “Catch-22,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Invisible Man” and “The Things They Carried” — needed no such promotion since they have all been widely read and appreciated. |
| (The school board recently decided to postpone a vote to rescind the ban after public testimony.) | (The school board recently decided to postpone a vote to rescind the ban after public testimony.) |
| A generation ago I taught in a Chicago high school when its superintendent banned “The Godfather” from an English class reading assignment. For several months after the ban, the book of choice among students in study halls was this very novel. Many more students in the school read this book than were in the English class. | A generation ago I taught in a Chicago high school when its superintendent banned “The Godfather” from an English class reading assignment. For several months after the ban, the book of choice among students in study halls was this very novel. Many more students in the school read this book than were in the English class. |
| Banning books is great publicity. It’s a great way to get people to read them. Congratulations to all people, school boards, governments and other entities that promote reading by their misguided actions. | Banning books is great publicity. It’s a great way to get people to read them. Congratulations to all people, school boards, governments and other entities that promote reading by their misguided actions. |
| Peter GilmourChicago | Peter GilmourChicago |