Jack Lessenberry, you wrote a great column ("The aftermath of terror," Metro Times, Sept. 19-25). They say that a sign of a man's intelligence his how much his opinions agree with your own. You must be one very smart guy. I agree that the political landscape has changed in ways we could never have imagined a few short weeks ago. There is certainly a need for there to be a "loyal opposition" to make sure that we don't lose those values that make us a great country, a role that I think you have often served very well. I don't always agree but, you always make me think and question. —Bob Westbrook, [email protected], Livonia
Changing views?
I must admit reading Jack Lessenberry's column in the Sept. 19-25 issue really inspired me. I too was a former free-thinking, left-of-center, semi-intelligent person. But after hearing (for the thousandth time) that "... the real world had crashed in," and "everything really is different now," I'm thinking of joining up. Maybe even the CIA; they may have done some "misguided" things in the past, but, "like it or not, we only have one government." I glowed with nationalistic fervor as I read how 85 percent of Americans were ready for war. I cursed allowed when informed that there were "crazies" urging restraint. Jack and I are in it for the long haul, more than willing to sacrifice a few freedoms to feel more secure. I hung my flag out proudly today and damn any fanatic who would challenge my right to do so. Bravo Jack! —Robert Whitty, Grosse Pointe Park
What’s next?
While I don't often agree with your writers on matters of policy, I almost always respect their intelligent take on issues. Both of your columnists question the prevailing wisdom — Keith A. Owens on a military strike ("Questions of war," Metro Times, Oct. 3-9), and Lessenberry on racism ("Really keeping America free," Metro Times, Oct. 3-9). Great. But what do they think we should do? It’s very easy to criticize others for their stances, but do your writers really think that there is no proper response? —Greg Bellamy, [email protected], Detroit
Beyond borders
I just read Lessenberry’s "The liberal dilemma" (Metro Times, Sept. 26-Oct. 2). I've been trying to answer those questions for weeks now and I really appreciate his take on the situation. The lefties, and I proudly include myself, have faced a serious challenge to their traditional arguments. Sure, I agree, the West is not innocent in this but actions must be taken and now the left's job is not to say "I told you so." My country didn't orchestrate the West's involvement but neither did we so no to the United States and, as a human, I've also got a responsibility beyond my nation. —Caitlin Shea, Toronto, Canada
The 100-yard war
I really enjoyed Curt Guyette’s article, "Bombs Away" (Metro Times, Oct. 10-16). I laughed out loud when he kept dropping football references throughout the story. It seems ridiculous that Americans would rather watch a football game then watch a constant stream of "missile-cam." But this isn't as silly as it seems. No new info, plus no visual stimulation, plus no interesting people to watch and you get a show that's due for a run of four or five episodes before it gets shipped to UPN. Americans love football, and some of us are looking for some sort of escape from the sticky situation that the world is in today. I can't wait for Sunday so that I can get together with my friends and family and watch the Lions take an ass-kicking. It’s one of the simple pleasures that I allow myself. We're afraid to turn off that reporter in Kabul because a Tomahawk could take out that roof at any second. I'd rather watch to see if Detmer breaks the interception record. My advice to you, buddy ... Have a Michelob and watch the game with your family and friends while you still can. —Ty Stone, [email protected], Lincoln Park
Second feature
I enjoyed George Tysh’s article about teen films ("Rebel, rebel," Metro Times, Oct. 3-9) very much, but it mystifies me that every examination of films dealing with alienated and rebellious youth overlooks a small masterpiece of the genre. I'm referring to John Frankenheimer's The Young Stranger, which starred James MacArthur and James Daly. It was made in 1957. —Robert del Valle, Royal Oak
