Letters to the Editor
robob
Published Letters: 104 Editor's Choice: 4
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judgment
[Read the article: The tragic fall of Eliot Spitzer]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This isn't really about sex. If he had had an affair, there would be no story. It is about judgement. If you are going to build a career around corruption, however that is defined in a society, you really should not do the very things you punish others for. I agree that prostitution should be decriminalized. But, if you jocky for position by wearing your sanctimony on your sleeve, maybe you should not get caught with no pants.
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Turned off
[Read the article: Geraldine Ferraro still needs to apologize]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I had a friend work at the NH polls during their primary. She said there were groups of Hilary supporters chiding women to vote for Hilary, "because she is a woman". Is it really hard to believe that part of Obama's success might be due to his race? I mean he is 46 with no real experience. I think a lot of people perceive him as a fresh start from a different background than other politicians. And part of that backgound is that he is black as his minister emphasized
Frankly, I am beginning to think McCain would not be so bad, at least he is not Bush.
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cats, Tibet and Dalai Lama
[Read the article: "The Beijing Olympics debacle has begun"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Something about this reminds me of the olympics in Berlin 1936.
The crackdown on Tibet, the senseless cruelty towards domestic cats, denouncing the Dalai Lama as a devil. Stop killing the Tibetans AND cats!!!!! I am sure there will be flower baskets lining the streets of Beijing, and friendly soldiers helping clueless tourists. But behind the scenes, business as usual
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consciousness
[Read the article: An Olympic disgrace]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Dogs and cats form emotional bonds with humans. Perhaps because of breeding or proximity, most of us had never had a cow curl up with us in bed, or played frisbee with a pig. Most Americans or western europeans would have a visceral reaction to seeing what the author saw, and I would say that reaction is morally justified. As others have alluded, companion animals were domesticized and bred as companions, not food. Arguing that a cat or dog's affection is an anthropomorphic delusion is itself a delusion. Can animals feel fear? I think so, judging by the way my pet shivers at the vet's office (it is not cold). Can animals fear anger? Then why not affection or joy? I hope things can change in China. I have also seen reports of some in China saving the cats destined for the market and pleaing for others to do the same.
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insensitivity
[Read the article: An Olympic disgrace]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Really- where does it end? Why not humans as well, I am sure some cultures consider that OK. Children? I think the whole cultural insensitivity thing is tired.
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mull
[Read the article: An Olympic disgrace]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I have been thinking about this article all day. I do understand the argument that those who eat meat of any kind should examine their own actions. What is most profoundly disturbing though, is a lack of empathy exhibited by some posters here and , it seems, most of the Chinese reponsible for the slaughter. People in the US were outraged at the recent inhumane treatment of cows in the slaughterhouse. Yet, many who post here seem to make no reference to the callous, insensitive and truly horrific treatment of the cats and dogs in China. The lassie dog in the article was seeking human companionship and found it. I wonder what it was thinking when it was grabbed by the scruff, and god knows what.
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different cultural practices
[Read the article: An Olympic disgrace]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Female genital mutilation is also a "cultural practice" "cultural difference". Don't hear too many defenders of it on that basis do you?
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Neuroplasticity
[Read the article: Buff up your brain]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]A lot of good research is being done in the area of neuroplasticity, including studies of those who have suffered strokes or other accidents and use various techniques to regain and strengthen cognitive function. Sharon Begley's book and another book "the brain that changes itself" describe research in the area with some impressive results. When I first saw this article , I thought it mgiht have something to do with neuroplasticity, a fascinating subject. We have all been taught that once we get past a certain age our brains are for lack of a better word "fossilized". Salon- you really gave the subject short shrift. I hope you do the subject justice in the near term.
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silence and mind
[Read the article: You are the river: An interview with Ken Wilber]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I think some of the comments about how Americans can't experience inner silence are right on point. And the fact is, it does have implications for the development of the human psyche. When I was a kid, I spent hours absorbed in books, playing outside, making up stories,and even (yikes) having an imaginary fried.
Some of the kids I am around these days and can't entertain themselves for a moment, demanding constant attention/stimulation. Maybe the passivity of sitting in front of the TV for hours on end is causing something to atrophy in a lot of kids.
Maybe if concentration were developed by other methods there would not be so many ritalin /adderall prescriptions.
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madonna
[Read the article: Does Madonna still matter?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]She is a great singles artist, I am 42 and her music spans about 2/3 of my life. She has a GREAT fake British accent too!!!
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mark my words
[Read the article: Does Madonna still matter?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In 30 years a similar article will be written. By then, Madonna will still be grinding her hips and shaking her top, as she grabs her walker.
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Amen to Annie Lennox!
[Read the article: Does Madonna still matter?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In November I was front row at her concert in Boston MA, and she was phenomonal. She is a true artist , as many people saw recently on Idol Gives Back.
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simon
[Read the article: Finale wrap-up: "American Idol"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I wonder if someone tipped Simon off about the results. His mea culpa moment just minutes before the final result seems fishy.Technically David Arch was better the night before, but let's face it, he always sounds the same. No variety or artistic license. Maybe he will acquire this traits as he matures, if he lasts. My wife and I really liked him until a few weeks ago when the whole doe eyed thing started to get a little creepy
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DE
[Read the article: Heaven, heartache and the power of deviled eggs]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I loves me some deviled eggs.But WTF? This is a paid subscriber site right?
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propaganda
[Read the article: CNN/MSNBC reporter: Corporate executives forced pro-Bush, pro-war narrative]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]As Dr. Goebbels said, paraphrasing here, if you tell a lie loud enough and long enough people will start believing it is the truth. It is sad how little things change.