Letters to the Editor
kansasgirl
Published Letters: 101 Editor's Choice: 14
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To Angelle re: question for me
[Read the article: Black rappers made him do it!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I don’t know if anyone is still reading this thread, but Angelle, I just saw your question for me.
I never said that group expressions of outrage or boycotts shouldn’t be permitted. In fact I think they’re powerful tools that should be used. My issue is that I think this particular boycott is misguided. In my ideal world, this would have been a matter for public discourse, but never escalated to a boycott.
I think that boycotts of specific DJs, artists or TV or radio shows is a bad precedent to set, because it leaves the door wide open for anyone who’s offended to get anyone fired or any show cancelled if they make a big enough fuss. I think Rush Limbaugh is offensive, so I don’t listen to him. My conservative Christian relatives think Michael Moore is offensive (I admit I’m in agreement with them on that one, though for different reasons) so they don’t watch his movies.
I think South Park is one of the funniest, most incisive shows on TV right now. And there’s something in each episode to offend at least one group, but it’s also a show packed with critical social commentary. Personally, I’m surprised that Comedy Central hasn’t been forced to cancel the show yet. I think it’s just a matter of time. So far, Comedy Central stands behind the show, but Comedy Central is owned by Viacom, as is CBS, who fired Imus. They’ve just proven they’ll bow to pressure.
If people want to join a movement to have DJs, artists, or specific programs fired or banned from radio or TV, by all means you have the right to do so. But I don’t think you should complain when right-wing groups (or anyone else you disagree with) effectively boycott artists and programming you like.
I think it makes far more sense to simply use the off switch is something on radio or TV offends you. If you are moved to work for social change, there are many more effective ways to do so than getting a DJ fired.
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guns are not toys
[Read the article: I'm almost 21. Should I buy some guns?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I don’t agree with Cary that the LW should never own guns, but I don’t think he should own one right now. He says a gun is a toy. A gun is NOT a toy. I understand that it can seem like one when you’re out skeet shooting, but it is a weapon and is always a weapon.
I’m also bothered by the fact that he doesn’t indicate why he wants guns, only that he wants them. And he’s so caught up in the meaning and baggage and symbolism of guns that I don’t think he’s really considering the reality of what a gun is, and what it means to be a gun owner. He says he didn’t grow up with guns: I think that’s demonstrated in his attitude towards them as well.
I grew up with guns in the house. They were never kept loaded and the ammunition was stored separately, and my brother and I were taught from a very young age that they were not toys and were not to be touched. In keeping with this, we were not allowed to point toy guns at each other, because – and I know I’m repeating myself here - guns are not toys. Once my brother and I were old enough, we were taught how to safely carry and store a gun, and eventually how to shoot one.
I don't see anything wrong with gun ownership by responsible, educated gun owners. Personally, I think everyone should be required to take a gun safety course before they can purchase a gun. The LW clearly has a lot to learn about guns before he should buy one.
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I'm with FreeProton
[Read the article: Is it OK to criticize the president again?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]As FreeProton said, there are plenty of reasons to criticize Bush. I'd like to focus on more substantial ones. And I'm sure if he hadn't expressed his sympathy to the shooting victims you would have published an article criticizing him for that too.
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What happened to Salon?
[Read the article: More cruelty from right-wing crackpots]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I just figured out why the articles on Salon.com are driving me crazy lately. I have read Salon for years I always felt that Salon offered responsible journalism. I know there is a left-wing bias here, but I thought I could depend on the editors and writers to maintain some objectivity. But lately it seems Salon is all about spouting left-wing views, or just disagreeing with anything from the right. And now this from Joan:
"But if you ever find yourself wondering why liberals are so often out-shouted in the public sphere, even though most Americans agree with their politics, remember this moment. It isn't easy to compete with wingnuts who will say absolutely anything to make their points."
Joan, I for one do not want you to compete with the wingnuts. I want Salon to report the news and to offer objective insight, not play the offense against everything every right-wing blogger says, or parrot the liberal party line. I want Salon to examine the issues objectively, like reasonable, intelligent people.
In the meantime - does anyone else have suggestions on where I can find objective news and opinion pieces similar to the old Salon?
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Re: Jawhawker
[Read the article: More cruelty from right-wing crackpots]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Sonofabastard, if I'm a right winger, I'm a very poor one since I've always voted for Democratic candidates and I gave money to Howard Dean's campaign (the only time I've donated money to a presidential candidate).