From L.A. to London, Potter’s a Touchstone

I would like to put some perspective on two stories on the front page, “Should They Stay or Should They Go?” and “ ‘Harry Potter’ Works Magic at the Box Office” (Nov. 18). Over one year ago we learned that the Harry Potter film would be released on Nov. 16, my son Zachary’s 10th birthday. Because he was then (and still remains) such an unrivaled Harry Potter fan, we decided to take our family vacation in London to see the film on his birthday; arrangements were made almost one year ago.

Then came Sept. 11. Like the families quoted in your story about Thanksgiving travel, my wife and I gave some passing thought to the dangers of traveling during these turbulent times. On the other hand, how do you tell a 10-year-old that you are canceling the biggest treat of his young life because you are afraid of terrorists like Osama bin Laden?

Our discussion was brief, for there was never really any serious consideration of canceling our trip. We talked it over with Zachary who, along with us, had witnessed the fall of the World Trade Center on television. Even at his age, my son grasped the idea that if we didn’t go to London the terrorists win. In going forward, we fought our own little battle against terrorism and Zachary learned a valuable lesson--there are bullies in life worth standing up to.

We obviously made it home OK and had a wonderful vacation. The look on Zachary’s face as “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” started at the Odeon Theatre, in London, on his 10th birthday--priceless.

Walt Kuiland

West Covina

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In Great Britain it’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” Here in the U.S. it is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Forsooth, if there really is a lapis philosophorum , someone from Great Britain stands a far better chance of discovering it.

Daniel P. Quinn

St. Petersburg, Fla.