When we moved to Virginia from "the north" in 1962, our children were 2 & 4 years old. When they began their schooling, I remember telling them that they did not have to use "sir/ma'am" with adults - we preferred that they called adults by Mr. , Mrs. or Miss, whether they were parents of friends or teachers (it worked for me growing up!).

As they got older, like most children, they picked up the habits of their friends and the courtesy titles crept into their daily life. We did not ban the usage, and I wonder what the citizens of Virginia would do if the Legislature passed a law doing just that, rather than requiring them?

I am astounded at the areas of private life the Republicans feel compelled to control, given their stated desire for less government!

Sue Lewis (electronic mail, March 21, 2000)