Letters to the Editor
chiefdeputy
Published Letters: 120 Editor's Choice: 6
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@Aycharych
[Read the article: Obama's speech on race]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]There have been several responses to your repeated posts which say the same thing over and over. Frankly, you will find that most people are not as simple minded as you in claiming that the war on drugs is the cause for all racial inequality, or that ending the drug war, or legalizing drugs, or whatever it is you advocate, is the only answer, and that anyone who disagrees or doesn't mention it as the 1st order of business is a racist.
Drugs, prison, etc is a symptom of poverty, not the cause. Yes federal and state prosecutions and sentencing are carried out in racist ways. if you heard Obama's speech, he was talking about bigger things than that - opportunity, education, etc. Reforming drug laws? I also take issue with your statistics. 1 in 3 black males are not convicted felons.
I think most people ignore you because you are so far off shore, floating in your own silly world.
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What you make of it
[Read the article: Of Ph.D.s, gay lovers, slave narratives and the Ivy League]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Without actually knowing what schools you are talking about, I'd say you should pick the school in the better locale for you (and in this case, it is better for your partner too). Your efforts and abilities will determine your success, not which school you choose (especially when you are talking about #60 or #90).
I know english grad school is different from law school, but in my experience with law school I'd recommend going where you want to and not to worry about rankings. I got into 4 of the top 6 law schools in the country at the time, and chose to go with my local state university (ranked #30 at the time) instead. I've had a great career so far, but I'm sure I would have had different opportunites if I'd chosen a different school and would be in another city right now if I had. I'm happy, so who cares what might have been? If you work hard, write a lot, and of course GET PUBLISHED you will have a successful academic career regardless of what school you go to. Perform poorly, and you get what you deserve.
I also hate Northern winters - I have S.A.D. - maybe you do too. Get some info on how to deal with that so your writing doesn't suffer in the winter.
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Yes, he told her she could use it, but . . .
[Read the article: Would you please get out of my swimming pool!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The cousin is being a total ass. Who goes to use another's pool and just jumps in when they have company there? Who tells the owner it is their pool? The cousin is a bitch. LW's husband is an ass. LW should quit trying to get her husband to take her side and just tell the cousin herself that she is no longer welcome at her pool. If she says "but your husband said it was OK", LW should just respond "not anymore."
There is no reason why LW's husband should side with his extended family over his wife's wishes, let alone her comfort level, privacy, etc. If the husband fights her on this, she should dump his ass, throw him out and keep the house and pool.
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Illinois law?
[Read the article: Would you please get out of my swimming pool!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I think that was a gross oversimplification of Illinois law. The duty you owe to an "invitee" is different from that owed to a trespassing child who wanders into your pool and drowns.
Liability is a real issue, even if the LW wasn't asking about it. Tell the cousin you cannot have anyone in the pool without the homeowner's supervision, period. Then just be unavailable to supervise.
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frankbquotes
[Read the article: The best-laid plans]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Nailed it. This excerpt is awful for all the reasons frankb says. I read the whole thing fighting the idea that it all happened over the course of her freshman year, because I just couldn't imagine a young woman not being able to have casual sex, despite trying, over a period of years. It isn't coming of age if you are of age and then well past and you still haven't matured.
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I don't understand
[Read the article: The strange case of midnight renegade oleander gentrification camouflage]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Why the LW says there isn't much they can do about the neighbor's upkeep? How bad could it be? Some trimming, fertilizing, edging and mowing? It might not end up the best yard in the neighborhood, but it would be acceptable and not embarass the owner. Why can't she enlist the asshole neighbor and others to help with the upkeep? If her elderly neighbor keeps apologizing, she must be willing to accept a little yard assistance and wish it wasn't the way it currently is. Frankly I am capable of and in fact do all of my yard work, but would be thrilled if someone offered to take it over.
Maybe the house itself has too many issues for the neighborhood to take on, but the yard? Pitch in, fertilize it when you do your own, mow it when you do your own, add some shrubs or whatever plantings the owner likes - as long as you include her in the deicision, put your energy into HELPING. Otherwise, mind your own business COMPLETELY.
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Vault
[Read the article: I am the keeper of secrets]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]If someone asks you not to tell anyone, and you don't, how can that be a betrayal? Other Guy should understand and admire that quality - if someone confides in you, you keep the confidence. As long as you do that with each one, you will be fine (and really, no one can expect you not to share some of it with your spouse).
The 4 way friendship will end once this couple breaks up though. In every breakup, somone gets the friends and the other does not. Obviously Other Guy's wife is out, since you work with and care deeply for him. So, be supportive to Other Guy, and in a short time he will be "free" and his wife will be out of your picture for the most part. Then you can deal with your feelings for him and decide where the rest of your life goes.