While I agree with John Buttrick’s My Turn in the Jan. 7 Monitor, “The necessity of context,” I think he perhaps understates the importance of context. Context is essential. Example: “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Ms. Gay’s response to Ms. Stefanik’s question was correct.

Personally, I’m not concerned about the presidency of Harvard. What bothers me is that congressional hearings are more about show and pretense than substance. I can understand why members of Congress get to choose the questions, but I don’t understand how they can also select the answers. There are plenty of jokes about questions requiring “yes” or “no” answers. Perhaps the real question in Ms. Stefanik’s mind was will this show help me get re-elected? Yes or no?

Philip Funk

Concord