Jack Lessenberry’s column about George W. Bush's manipulation of the press ("In the name of the son, y’all," MT, Feb. 7-13) is a gem of journalistic truth. I have long held the belief that the vast right-wing conspiracy extends to a tacit agreement in the media to go easy on the new commander in c(t)hief. In all my years of following politics, I have never been more angry. George W. Bush is the puppet of an evil power structure that will trample upon the rights of everyone who isn't white, male, Christian, straight and wealthy. I thank God that journalists like yourself have the courage to write the truth. Please remember that you represent legions, and we are many. —Peter J. Daddario, [email protected], Astoria, N.Y.
On the money
Jack Lessenberry, I read your work in Metro Times all the time. You touch base on all the issues I find interesting and controversial. I love the way you slam the conservative faction of the population. Your recent articles about the stolen election in Florida and sleazy judges were absolute money! There is so much corruption, arrogance and hypocrisy in politics today it's hard to even get motivated to perform our civic duty of voting. I hate what happened in Florida last year and I have lost all respect for the so-called "Supreme Court." I read about the comments O'Connor made to one of her colleagues and I was appalled that someone so bias could hold such a lofty position in jurisprudence. In my estimation you are a damn good journalist and whatever recognition you get as such is well deserved. Keep up the good work, you're money. Yours in left-wing politics, —James Wright, Sterling Heights
Jack Lessenberry responds: Gee, uh, thanks ... but I'd hate to think it takes "left-wing politics" to want judges to be decent and honest.
On the other hand
Being the ex-Republican, then ex-Democrat, ex-Catholic, anti-NRA but pro-Second Amendment person that I am, I usually only agree with about 20 percent of what you write. But, this time ("The Dems: No Valentine yet," MT, Feb. 14-20) you have me in almost total agreement. Bill Clinton has done what no Republican could have done, which is to make Democrats appear to be elitist arrogant, and greedy, while making the Republicans appear honest. The unfortunate thing for the Democrats is that they had eight years to affect real change, which was their platform in 1992, and their chance to leave a legacy went up in a cloud of cigar smoke. I’m just looking forward to a boring president. —Scott Lipiec, Royal Oak
Jack Lessenberry responds: Well, that one was original …
Shout out
I thoroughly enjoyed Curtrise Garner’s descriptive review of Kevin Powell's book, "Step Into A World" ("Beyond blues," MT, Feb. 14-20). It is further evidence that the hip-hop generation can offer more to society than what mainstream America thinks. The hip-hop generation dances to a different tune; often expressed through spoken word poetry, hip-hop music, art and theater. When their expressions are not heard, much less appreciated, they display negative behaviors and actions witj which to gain attention. Kevin Powell's book epitomizes the fact that the hip-hop generation is not lost after all, they just want us to "holla if ya hear me." —Alicia Jones-Moton, Atlanta, Ga.
All jazzed up
Reading Keith Owens account of how he fingers through his father's jazz records ("The true roots of jazz," MT, Feb. 7-13) made me want to scream, "Hey Keith — play the damn things!" Do your Dad and I a favor, Keith, and spend some serious time listening to those albums. Yeah, I know you're a "basic blues person." Real jazz fans can only chuckle to themselves when they hear comments like, "Oh, I like jazz — but I'm more of a (insert favorite music here) person." There's a reason jazz musicians came up with their own language, referring to each other as "cats," while others remained sadly "square." Wynton Marsalis did his best, in the Ken Burns series, to explain the special magic that only jazz can produce. In the end, however, words fall way too short. Enlightenment can creep up on you over time, or hit you like a brick; but when you get it, man, you "get it"! —Dan Wolfe, [email protected], Farmington Hills
Viva Italia!
I really enjoyed reading Audrey Becker’s recent article "Inconspicuous Tourism" (MT, Jan. 31-Feb. 6). It reminded me very much of the first trip I took, 10 years ago, to the Italian island of Sicily. Thanks for bringing back fond memories and for the knowledge of places in my beloved Italy my eyes have not yet seen. —Lisa Bica Grodsky, Royal Oak
