Get the story out
Thank you, Curt Guyette, for the wonderful work in your recent cover story for Metro Times ("In the name of patriotism," Metro Times, Dec. 5-11). I am frightened at what is happening in this country and truly disgusted at the state of mainstream media. Please keep covering this horrible turn of events, as it is going to need covering. I am especially interested in monitoring any interference by Ashcroft, et. al. in the work of environmental groups, anti-globalization groups and anti-war groups. I think it is extremely important to get those stories out there. And, unfortunately, there will be stories. —Madonna Gauding, [email protected], Dexter
Jack lacks perspective
Let me remind Jack Lessenberry that state-sanctioned death is a difficult deal to sell to people of any philosophical persuasion ("Ashcroft vs. the Constitution," Metro Times, Nov. 28-Dec. 4). Ashcroft has set out to challenge what he believes is an improper use of federally dispensed drugs. A little perspective can go a long way. I disagree with him and am prepared to have my voice heard as well. You’re not helping the situation, Einstein. You’ve just wasted a thousand words sticking your finger past your sphincter and then wiping it on
Ashcroft.
One or two humorously placed references dogging Ashcroft just to show you’ve got a sense of humor might be warranted. The "fillings in the teeth" comment was cute. Your whole argument seems to be, "I’m right because Ashcroft’s a poopy-head and I don’t like poopy-heads." Maybe you could try examining the opposition realizing there are no human gods and create a response based on the flaws of your opponent. Or maybe try this: "I’m rubber, you’re glue, everything you say bounces off me and sticks to you." —Robert W. Lee, [email protected], Melvindale
Far from reality
I am disgusted after having read the Metro Times column by Jack Lessenberry entitled "Ashcroft's legal terrorism" (Metro Times, Dec. 5-11). It is liberal "thinking" like Lessenberry's that is endangering our country. He attempts to frighten Americans into thinking we, as citizens, are losing our rights with the proposed military tribunals, when they are restricted to noncitizens. Lessenberry even goes so far as to stress that the military tribunals are "not only for terrorists captured abroad, but for any foreigners detained on U.S. soil." Yes, Jack, this is a war, not a liberal college classroom hypothetical or philosophical debate. Get over it.
In this same column, he suddenly and clumsily delves into advocating "forcing our legislators to stand up to the gun-nut lobby," then advertises the address of Handgun Control, Inc., asking the reader to help "fight a sort of terror we can do something about." Jack, you have your liberal head screwed on backwards. Have you ever heard of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
Based on your column, you would certainly qualify for the "Hypocritical Liberal of the Year Award." It is surprising that after Sept. 11, reality has still not yet sunk in with your ilk. —John Pitrone Sterling Heights
Amateur hour
Wholesale generalization is a sign of amateurishness. Calling George Harrison's "Isn't It a Pity," the "anti-Hey Jude" and referencing the "condescending tone of the Beatles' late work," made me shake my head ("The Hot & the Bothered," Metro Times, Dec. 5-11). I used to write that way for my college paper when I was still studying journalism, but I matured.
To say "most of George Harrison's work after ATMP is, for the most part, god-awful," and "Jeff Lynne plus ‘Got My Mind Set On You’ equals irrelevance," is a joke. Has the writer listened to the entire Cloud Nine album on which "Got My Mind Set On You" appears? It is a great album. That song was an oldie that Harrison had affection for, which is why he recorded it. He wasn't trying to be Important.
Gholz makes shallow attempts at psychoanalyzing the baby-boomer generation, lumping an album by Carole King with ATMP. Then that last line, "Like Lennon, at his best, Harrison wasn't simply a Beatle." What does this mean? Is it possible for a single writer to praise Harrison without referencing his former band mates? Carleton S. Gholz plus a Metro Times column equals ineptitude. —Nick Moretti, [email protected], Warren
