Edited, out
I am deeply troubled to learn of editor Jeremy Voas’ dismissal from Metro Times (“Canned Voas,” Metro Times, Aug. 11). During the last five years I’ve known the publication from a variety of perspectives. When I moved to Detroit after college, I was a reader. When I took my first “real” job at Real Detroit Weekly, I was a rival. When I came on as the listings editor in August of 2001, I was staff. Since I moved from Detroit, my relationship has come full circle; again, I’m just a reader.
Because of this long, strange path, I recognize the departure of Jeremy Voas to be an ominous warning for the future of Metro Times. Not only because Mr. Voas is a nationally respected, award-winning leader in his field, or because his letter of recommendation has opened so many heavy doors for my career. I fear for Metro Times’ future because of the vacuum that will be left by Mr. Voas’ matchless courage as an editor.
Apparently that isn’t the kind of person that should be working at Metro Times anymore.
One has only to scan other publications in Detroit — or anywhere else for that matter — to understand that Mr. Voas’ basic tenets of courage, character and responsibility to readers are woefully rare. And ultimately, that’s why this shortsighted decision is the most distressing for me: As one of the Metro Times’ many readers, I’m in the group of people that will be affected the most. —Nate Cavalieri, San Francisco, Calif., [email protected]
Freedom’s festivities
As a former Detroiter and native of the Republic of Panama, I participated in the annual carnival in the past. You can imagine how thrilled I was to read your coverage of such a vital cultural event (“The Carnival’s clothier,” Metro Times, Aug. 11). People of Caribbean descent have taken great pride in sharing our heritage in the city. Individuals such as Mavis Spencer, Ethlyn Williams, Thomas Certivant and many others work tirelessly to this end. Hopefully, your article will increase the scores of spectators to the parade. —Marva Turner, Tavares, Fla.
Take a hike!
When I got last week’s issue, I told myself that I wasn’t going to read the articles because I had a lot of other reading to do. Well, your article about Outer Drive (“Inside Outer,” Metro Times, Aug. 4, 11) stopped all intentions. It was the most thought-provoking article I have read in Metro Times. I am a backpacker and was fascinated by the city trek. I go to Wayne State University and enjoyed reading and mentally following along your path. What a great idea this was. —Laura Brabant, Troy
Outside looking in
I just finished your great article on Outer Drive and it was a breath of fresh air. I moved from the city when I was about 7, but I always tell my suburban friends that the city is not as dangerous as they perceive it to be.
I love how your article paints a more realistic picture of the city, filled with hardworking, nice, accommodating people of all races (another misconception of the city). I waited impatiently for part two, and I was not disappointed. Thank you.
You are a much better man than I am to walk 45 miles. —Devin Young, Southfield
Conventional views
Re: “MIA: ABC, CBS, NBC” (Metro Times, July 28), here’s a thought, Mr. Lessenberry: If enough people don’t watch the fare the networks offer, drivel though it admittedly is, the people who made the programming decisions get fired, new ones come in, and make different choices. That the trend toward ever-shrinking convention coverage has been seen for decades is proof that the programmers are making the most popular choice. That is their job — to maximize their employer and shareholder’s profits.—Paul Machesky, Dearborn
Monumental error
Re: “48 hours on Belle Isle” (Metro Times, June 2), I loved the article but noticed one mistake. In the first entry, you identified the statue of a general as being Major General Alpheus Stanley. His name was Alpheus Starkey Williams. —Matthew Ociepka, Troy
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