Letters to the Editor
Thebigkate
Published Letters: 59 Editor's Choice: 3
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Truthiness hurts
[Read the article: The truthiness hurts]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Jon Stewart got it right--that the Washington Press Corps is stuck in its loveless marriage with the White House! We all know that it is difficult to have humor, or even a good spirit, about the person to whom one is ambivalently, but legally, attached! I think all the "corporate" reporters need to discover "truthiness" for themselves, and to reevaluate their corporate marriages and, more importantly, their bought-off souls! As it is, I have no respect for the political reporters from our "most respectable" papers--the Washington Post and NY Times. How sad that they cannot see and hear a performance showing that the emperor truly has no clothes. They should be cheering!!!!
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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On Being Cassandra
[Read the article: Making Colbert go away]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]We should take a lesson from Cassandra--in history and mythology! Remember, when she rejected Apollo he banished her and cursed her that she was doomed to speak the truth--and never be believed. Then, in Greece, Cassandra saw the huge Trojan horse in the square and tried to warn the Greeks. For her trouble, she had her tongue cut out and was thrown in jail! And we know the ending of that story! So, Stephen Colbert has shown he follows in this noble tradition, his symbolic "tongue-cutting" in not being reported, or patronizingly dismissed as "not funny!" Actually, the truth is not usually funny, but Mr. Colbert managed to make it dicey and hilarious!!! Thank you--and keep it going Stephen Colbert!
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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Judith Miller - Oh PULEEZ!
[Read the article: The return of Miss Run Amok]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I think this article shows that Judith Miller has the brains, writing ability, and, most of all, CONNECTIONS to reinvent herself! It is hard for me to believe that a major paper would print anything she "researched" and wrote, given the horribly botched job she did on WMDs at the New York Times! Let us hope that Chalabi is not also her source on this one! Or would the WSJ even care?
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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Hillary Clinton
[Read the article: Live and let live]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I love Garrison Keillor and his take on the reality of politics. However, I respectfully disagree with him on the subject of Hillary Clinton being the person to "work things out." Ms. Clinton has been unwilling (or unable) to take a stand on the Iraq War--the defining issue of our time. There is nothing really to work out here. She can make a stand, and go on about the rest of her business. Nobody expects a candidate to solve the dilemma of Iraq overnight, but the Democrats need a candidate who sees the tragedy and seriousness of it, and who is committed to a plan. Only Jim Webb seems to tell it like it really is, and his manner tends to alienate people. Barak Obama and John Edwards at least have a plan. Hillary is a big disappointment, and I can only conclude that she is an opportunist who will moderate her stands according to what is required to "win."
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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Barack Obama
[Read the article: How Obama learned to be a natural]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I have just finished "How Obama Learned To Be a Natural," and find I have several reactions. The first was to be angry at Edward McClelland for what seemed like "trashing" Obama. I read on. Next, I thought that he had done some good reporting about a smart, ambitious and complex person who has become a charismatic celebrity in a relatively short period of time. In thinking about McClelland's point of view, I detect a bit of envy. However, he is also admires Obama's ability to be such a quick study. And he does not carry on about his lack of experience for the job, ad naseum. I admit that I am completely in the thrall of this incredibly bright and attractive young man who seems self-reflective and even a bit self-mocking. He is a bright light atop Ego Mountain, because it seems so far that he has the substance to back up his style!
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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NYT and shoddy journalism
[Read the article: The NY Times returns to pre-Iraq-war "journalism"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Having just finished this article about the NY Times once again pulling a "Judith Miller" and shilling for the Administration on Page One, I am ready to scream. No....actually, I am screaming! However, I do believe there is more to all of this than just shoddy journalism. Nowhere in the article is there mention of another agenda at the Times--not necessarily the reporter's agenda. He is, after all, just an employee and must bend to the will of the editorial board in order to get published! What is not said, and seems never to be said, is the obvious connection with Israel that underlies this "war mood" the Administration and the media are back into promoting! This is a neo-con tactic, as was the whole WMD farce in the Iraq War. And it is so tied in with our incestuous relationship with Israel. Why, oh why, do so few in the media speak of that? Is it the threat of being called an anti-Semite? I would hope that is not the case, because I most definitely am not, and ,in fact, have relatives living in Israel. But I think the media must have the courage to speak truth to power. I am waiting!!!!
Kate Madison
Depoe Bay, Oregon
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Samantha Power
[Read the article: Getting through these dark times]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The fact that a person of Samantha Power's powerful intellect and compassion is working for Barack Obama as a foreign policy advisor is further proof to me that he is the candidate to be elected President! Who does Hillary have who even comes close? Certainly not Sandy Berger! Dr. Power is a reasoned, rational, pragmatic student of foreign policy AND of human behavior. That she sees greatness and receptivity in Mr. Obama truly does give me hope!