It is amazing that the issue of masculine-inclusive language can
still generate controversy. I would have thought that this was old
hat and resolved before half the subscribers on this list were born!
Anyway, I have a suggestion based on experience with Friends (Quakers)
and the usage that is customary among Friends organizations. First,
omit the title: use the full name when being correct and respectful.
Second, address letters to unknown people as " dear friends". Even
if you don't really expect the person opening your bill at the electric
company to be friendly, it isn't much more of a stretch than calling
them "dear".  Mary Day Kent
              University of Pennsylvania Museum
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