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Sweet Liberation
Re: “Dis the Season!” by Michael I. Niman, Kelli Kwiatkowski and Julie Garisto (Nov. 20-26) I can't even begin to thank you all enough for the cover story you ran this week. And enormous kudos to Michael I. Niman, Kelli K and Julie Garisto. They've all reminded me in a big way why I read the Planet.

I work for two — count 'em, two — not-for-profits here in Tampa. I live in Sulphur Springs. I try my best, but consistently live paycheck to paycheck despite my efforts. This year has been worse than others. Now, the holidays are approaching, and I feel this impending sense of dread as the days go on and Big Media crams it down my throat further and further. My wife and I have even been in discussions to just not do anything this year.

After reading your cover story this week, though, I really feel better about the possibilities. The statement, "Spend your way that it will stimulate the economy, not aggravate the global economy," says it all. I've been trying to do that in my own way, patronizing the new businesses popping up in my area.

I've sent the link to the cover story to all of my friends. I hope they take it to heart. There are plenty of local artists, musicians, performing arts groups and small businesses that have a lot to offer. Not to mention a far more meaningful gesture than what Big Media would have us believe we need.

Thanks to everyone at the Planet for giving that story the prominence it deserves at a time that could not have been more perfect. I am inspired.

—David M. Jenkins, Tampa

Ends vs. Means
Re: “True Grits” by Eric Snider (Nov. 13-19)

After reading Eric Snider's review of the Kentucky hip-hop group Nappy Roots in last week's Planet, something didn't sit well.

These "artists" admit to financing their dreams through the abuse of the federal student loan program. They admit to promoting themselves through the illegal drug market. And they are not very good with acronyms (DIDY). Do it Damn Yourself?

Nappy Roots' path to their present semi-star status is a microcosm of everything that is wrong with business today (the end justifies the means).

Is it smart to invest your student loan in a rap group? Maybe. The potential return could be huge. Is it ethical? Never.

I enjoy the Planet's frequent sarcastic commentary on the losers of the world. That's how you should have presented this group.—Mike Martin, Tampa

No Animals Were Harmed in the Writing of this Letter
Re: “Divine Madness” by Mark E. Leib (Nov. 13-19)

Thank you for doing such a great job supporting the Cirque du Soleil coming to our area! For years I begged the Bayfront Center to bring them here and I was told it was impossible. People did not want to see "non-animal" acts. I suppose there was a lack of compassion here coupled with the absence of culture?

Nice to know there are SOME of us who do not enjoy watching enslaved animals suffering for entertainment sake! I loved the piece in the Planet. it was written quite well.

I hope our community will come out to strongly support an art form that entertains for art's sake without harming sentient beings behind the guise of tradition, family entertainment and wildlife conservation (cough, cough).—Louise Kahle, St. PETA'sburg

This article appears in Nov 27 – Dec 3, 2002.