Letters to the Editor

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Sandy Yago

Published Letters: 110     Editor's Choice: 3

  • Greenwald passes a crucial test of Westernity but gets tripped up by his bias

    [Read the article: The Noxious Fruits of Hate Speech laws]
    [Read more letters about this article: Here]

    Greenwald's stance reminds me that of the Amsterdam News, a pro-black newspaper Manhattanites should be familiar with, back in 1999 when for some unfathomable reason the KKK had decided to go to Harlem and protest. Giuliani originally refused to give permit and there was an overall great outcry but the Amsterdam News called for the mayor not to interfere because they saw that it was a first amendment issue.

    I was very impressed and ever since I hold that newspaper in high esteem although, frankly, I have never read a single word from it.

    I believe the KKK eventually did in fact went to NY and they marched, were universally despised then scrammed the hell out of town. I think it was a great day in America.

    Back to Mr Greenwald.

    He made intelligent statements about the importance of free speech and how myopic it is to want to restrict the freedom of your political opponents to express themselves since the same rules will eventually come back and restrict you. It was even more meaningful that he gave voice to Mr Levant by linking to his clips. Where Greenwald's political leanings have finally put a limit to his support was in the area of actually commenting on what Levant was saying.

    Greenwald supports free speech without reservation, that is clear and it is to his great credit. He reposts Levant, which is a chivalrous gesture. He calls the hearing "stomach turning" which is a poignant comment on the actions of the government and hints at some passionate feelings about the topic. But then he does no comment on how Levant is defending free speech.

    I don't expect Greenwald to agree with Levant's views about Islam, that is not the issue. The particulars of Levant's views are actually immaterial to the topic. But Levant did make several very salient remarks on free speech particularly in the context of the relationship between governmental power and the individual. He made those remarks quite passionately and his passion for the idea of freedom of expression may parallel Greenwald's.

    So then why not commenting on them? Did Greenwald not agree with those views? If not, what are HIS views? If yes - and I have to assume his answer is yes - then why didn't he say it?

    I'm going to answer my own question, it was rhetorical anyway. I think it was because of his hatred of Levant, which is quite obvious (Greenwald calls him a hateful purveyor of a bitter, destructive, authoritarian ideology.) Standing up for free speech in general was relatively easy, agreeing with a "hateful right-winger" about free speech has proved to be too difficult to process. His silence regarding Levant's views on free speech are therefore a counterpart to his hateful description of him. A soft, silent ad hominem by omission paired with another by usual, run-of-the-mill, political bias driven vilification.

    A bit sad but considering political discourse nowadays one should be happy with the glass being half full.

  • Clinton, Shminton, Cunt, Shmunt

    [Read the article: The C-word as a political tool]
    [Read more letters about this article: Here]

    There is only one thing I want to know:

    (drumroll.....)

    How did ♀♀♂♀♀ create his/her handle???

    (Wo)man, that's cule!

    BTW if yous wanna see some interesting 'ginas, check out dubdubdub yoni dot com

  • American woman gonna mess your mind

    [Read the article: Riding the XX Express]
    [Read more letters about this article: Here]

    This whole broadsheet thing has caused me start humming a famous song, a famous old song:

    ---

    American woman, said get away

    American woman, listen what I say

    Don’t come hangin’ around my door

    Don’t wanna see your face no more

    I don’t need your war machines

    I don’t need your ghetto scenes

    Coloured lights can hypnotize

    Sparkle someone else’s eyes

    Now woman, get away from me

    American woman, mama let me be.

    Go, gotta get away, gotta get away

    Now go go go

    Gonna leave you, woman

    Gonna leave you, woman

    Bye-bye

    Bye-bye

    Bye-bye

    Bye-bye

    You’re no good for me

    I’m no good for you

    Gonna look you right in the eye.

    Tell you what I’m gonna do

    You know I’m gonna leave

    You know I’m gonna go

    You know I’m gonna leave

    You know I’m gonna go, woman

    I’m gonna leave, woman

    Goodbye, American woman

    Goodbye, American chick

    Goodbye, American broad ...

    ---

    ... oh yeah, Lenny! The sweet feeling of liberation! You can just see that ramrod-straight middle finger!

  • It's all very nice but did you see Miss South Carolina in swimsuits today on the pageant?

    [Read the article: An old-fashioned thumpin' in South Carolina]
    [Read more letters about this article: Here]

    O my ggggawd what a stunning looking woman! Golden skin, gorgeous hips, beautiful face --- I wore out my rewind button on my DVR.

    Studies music, wants to go to Julliard.

    Of course YAB won (that's Yet Another Blonde for you fogies)

    I'm besides myself.

    Of course I'd rather be besides Ms Garrett, hehe ...

    ...

    now back to the important topic of selecting the new democlican president, the ruler of the globe!

    Yippie!