Letters to the Editor

I wanted to let you know how appreciative I am of Jack Lessenberry’s recent column ("Baby Bush and the ACLU," MT, Jan. 24-30). I have to admit that I voted for Bush and was hopeful about this new administration until I started noticing what everyone else was talking about. Then I was invited to a party at the home of Nadine Straussen, national head of the ACLU, and found some very stimulating conversation concerning the ACLU and Bush. Since then, I've been thoroughly intrigued by all these new little pieces of information that I'm finding out about Bush. Your column was very enlightening and enjoyable to read. I look forward to your future work. —Mark Abbott, [email protected], New York, N.Y.

Misplaced outrage

Jack, Don't you remember Hillary's payoff for Billy relaxing the runoff standards for Tyson in Arkansas? You remember, Jack, where Tyson parked the $100,000 commodity option for Hillary to claim? Put down your comic book and try to at least show some journalistic integrity. Where's your outrage regarding your unctuous and depraved hero's pardons? I'm not surprised, liberals like yourself have no standards. —Philip Katz, [email protected], Bloomfield Hills

Understanding the Shrub

Being an idiot and/or being dumb is different than being dyslexic. Some of the smartest people in the world are dyslexic and have overcome the problem

and become great successes. If George W's problem only was that understandable! —Marles Sciacca, Detroit

The past repeated?

You really wouldn't present Ronald Reagan as a burnt offering, would you, Jack? That would be cruel, except that Reagan's policies did destroy real human beings in many parts of the world while he was president. I fear George W. Bush may do the same sorts of things. Your exhortation to support Amnesty International and the ACLU is all together timely. Thank you for reminding us. —Daniel Duane Spyker, Detroit

Detroit’s ambassador

A year ago I left my home country, Italy, and came to Detroit to conduct some research for my Ph.D. dissertation in American Studies. I actually chose to come to Detroit, regardless of all the prejudices

people held against this city. Well, let me say that the choice has been wise. I have met wonderful people, done great things, achieved a lot. I honor myself of having crossed almost every day the "border" of Eight Mile Road. I felt immediately a deep sense of kinship with this city's ruins, with all the energy that vibrates just below its neglected surface, with its strong will to improve. Also because, in a way that it's hard to explain, all these things I shared. I rode the buses. I cheered the Tigers. I had my share of music, clubs, movies, art. I have seen the struggle for a better future, but also the signs of a worthy present. I can't list everything. Not enough room. I even found love. But allow me to say that you at the Metro Times have always been my priceless guide. It's been a long, great ride. Thanks. See you again. —Roberto Serrai, Firenze, Italy

Dunce cap

As an English teacher, I must respond to Keith A. Owens’ vitriolic retort to the confused and innocent reader, Paul Martin, whom Mr. Owens advises, "Learn to read" ("[email protected]," MT, Jan 17-23).

You see, it was Mr. Owens’ poor writing skills that confused Mr. Martin with the following: "In a sad and all-too-typical development, Johnson sued Berry in November, charging that Berry registered the copyrights. …" What we have here is the ol’ misplaced modifier, which may mislead the reader.

Mr. Owens would do well to review a high school English textbook. He receives not only a low grade for his writing, but a personal detention for unnecessary roughness to the reader he mislead. Learn to write, Mr. Owens. Effective writing helps. Honest. —Richard Huska, University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy, Detroit