Hail The King
Re: "Erasing King," by John Sugg (Jan. 12-18)The title scared me at first, as I thought I would be reading something disrespectful about Dr. King. However, instead I read a truly thoughtful piece about Dr. King that thankfully didn't stop at his "I have a dream" speech. I have passed the word to my friends and colleagues about your article and I have strongly suggested that they grab a copy of the Weekly Planet and check out what you've had to say because it was well said and important.
Kyle K. Jackson
Via E-mail
Over the past few years, I've moved in and out of Florida political circles, and as a keen observer of people and politics, long ago I came to the conclusion that the traditional press is often content to take the path of least resistance. In the case of Dr. King, "I have a dream…" is the easy out. Your commentary staked out clear political positions (many of which I don't agree with) using recent (though quickly forgotten) history combined with the passionate words of a man who wasn't afraid to rock the boat. I certainly do not need to educate you on the late Dr. King; I just really wanted you to know that I was impressed with your article.
Josh Burgin
Via E-mail
Unsatisfied Customer
Re: "The Big Box Debate," by Wayne Garcia (Jan. 12-18)I shop at Hel-Mart once a year because my parents like to get their gift certificates for Christmas and it's a nasty experience to be in their stores each year. The aisles are crowded, the store prides itself on bad service and the products are of low quality. Why anyone would submit themselves to all this to save a few cents on a tube of toothpaste is beyond me. Each year, my parents' gift certificates come with my latest Hel-Mart rotten shopping experience tale. From their tacky "we're too cheap to pay real models" circulars to their permanently pissed-off store help, Wal-Mart is a lousy place to shop. The new Super Target at Clearwater Mall and the K-Mart at 580 and 19 in Clearwater are pretty good places to shop on this side of the bay. I always look forward to your columns!
Maggie Hall
Dunedin
Bread and Circuses
Re: "Planet Picks" and "The List," by Leilani Polk (Dec. 25-Jan. 4)It would seem to me that a progressive paper like this would feel some obligation to insert a disclaimer or at least add a footnote to the fluff promos sent by Ringling and published by you (in two places in one issue, no less) regarding their current tour of terror, particularly when you also accepted payment for an advertisement from the organization trying to inform people about the true nature of the circus. The circus is not totally a volunteer organization and its non-consenting, unpaid performers suffer on a daily basis in what is touted as "entertainment." No one has ever been able to explain to me why it should be considered acceptable for animals to lead lives of torment and die excruciating deaths just so some person or organization can make some money. If someone wants to see a great circus, they should try Cirque du Soleil. Now, that's entertainment.
Denise Sturdy
Clearwater
Editor's Note: Editorial and advertising departments stay strictly separate at the Planet. We use "promos" or press releases only as sources of information; we do not reprint them verbatim. Certainly there are many people like yourself who oppose the use of animals as circus entertainers, just as there are many others who remain big circus fans; we included the event in our listings for those who might be interested in attending.
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2005.