I am writing in response to the "Sucker Punch" column written by Brian Smith (Metro Times, March 13-19). I like how he points out that music has no passion anymore. Our so-called "Detroit rock scene" seems nothing more than a popularity contest. I guess trying to befriend a new writer won't get you a good review this time. It's a breath of fresh air to actually read an article that has an opinion and that's not wrapped up in ass-kiss politics. I'm sick of hearing people bitch about getting bad write-ups and paying their dues. If you don't want truthful reviews, don't play music. If you've gotten nothing but praise, you have been lied to. You should appreciate getting an honest outside opinion. If you’re just looking for someone to tell you how great you are, play your next show in your basement for your Mom and friends, not in public. Whatever happened to constructive criticism? Maybe you should work on improving yourself instead of crying about someone not enjoying your band. —Craig Cashew, [email protected], Redford
Friend of a friend
Hey, welcome to tha D, Brian Smith! In the short time you've been here, you've managed to tear apart half the bands at the Blowout with your scathing prose and craft inspiring lines like, "Country music should be rooted in sincerity and integrity, and offer respite from dejection and sorrow." Whew! I had doubts that an outsider could step up and write about Detroit music, but with lines like that, I'll just assume someone died and made you the All-Music Guide. You came to the Blowout with a great, fresh perspective — probably shared by the people who put on Mid by Midwest — and it was so refreshing to listen to your anti-establishment banter about the "white-collar staffers at Metro Times." How gutsy! Especially since you were hired on to take over for Detroit writer Melissa Giannini by your friend, Jeremy Voas, who was hired by David Jost who was hired by Times Shamrock, which is a (gasp!) corporate entity! Man, next thing you know, you'll be railing against nepotism. —K. Jones, [email protected], Detroit
Bad to be the King
Just what we need in the black community ("Van Dyke & Harper," Metro Times, March 6-12); another ignorant motherfucker who's proud of pimping black people. King Gordy et. al. have done more harm to the black community than the KKK and Ayran Brotherhood combined. These Uncle Toms are probably on their payroll. We need more of him like we need another pair of Air Jordans. —Marcus K. Adams, Ypsilanti
Fuel for thought
A clear majority of U.S. senators, including Sens. Levin and Stabenow, voted correctly against a proposal to increase fuel mileage regulations on SUVS, pickups and minivans ("Our fuelish ways," Metro Times, March 13-19). Small businesses and light-truck consumers should thank these senators. The new vehicle mandates would hurt an economy struggling to get back on sound footing, as well as the safety of many Michigan drivers on our roadways.
The better way to reduce foreign oil dependency is to allow the market to help solve the problem. The Bush administration's decision to end an eight-year-old failed government program attempting to require fuel efficiency of gasoline engines at any
cost was a step forward. It was also a step forward for clean air and consumers.
Fuel-cell technology is one solution making a lot more sense than trying to hit consumers and automakers with unreasonable and unrealistic demands for quick and drastic increases in the fuel efficiency of gasoline-powered vehicles, which would no nothing to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Unfortunately, a handful of environmental lobbyists and their allies in the U.S. Senate still haven't processed that reality. But Levin and Stabenow are to be commended for recognizing that reality, and voting accordingly. —Karen Kerrigan, chairman, Small Business Survival Committee, Washington, D.C.
Free for all?
Your response to the Islam sucks column which was published in Wayne State’s student paper is overly politically correct ("Unfit to print," Metro Times, March 6-12). The gist of the column is absolutely correct, but it is not what the establishment wants to hear. We want free speech for ourselves, but want to censor others. It’s hard to have it both ways. —Steve Shade, Louisville, Ky.
