Painfully lame: The article ("The War on Terror (So Far)," by Andisheh Nouraee, Aug. 8) reminded me of washed-up rock stars who rant about saving Darfur before going home to smoke weed in their gated mansions. It was little more than a regurgitation of the mindless "Bush did it" mantra we've been hearing for years — usually from Democrats who voted for the war. The only thing that set it apart, and placed it in Cindy Sheehan lala land, was the moronic assertion that a shiny-happy perfectly trustworthy Iran just wanted to be friends but that evil Bush turned Iran down for the prom and Iran was forced to build nukes. How silly. Perhaps Andisheh would be better suited for a career protesting at WTO meetings. There he could gather with thousands of people just as clueless and self-righteous as he is. Don't forget your desecrated flag, Andisheh, and remember the only three words you'll need to know — Bush did it!
Mike
Bear Creek Cleanup: Think globally and act locally is exactly what Kurt has been able to do ("Troubled Waters," by Alex Pickett, Aug. 8). His commitment to keeping awareness high by his actions speaks so much louder than most of the empty promises we often get from our elected leaders. Like he says — it's for the birds.
Rick Parsons
I was there — I saw the mess — I cleaned the mess (with the team) ("Troubled Waters," by Alex Pickett, Aug. 8). It's hard to believe any creature could live in that — and even harder to believe any thinking creature could create it on purpose. Thanks, Kurt and all the cleaners — I especially appreciate you allowing the kids to participate — let's indoctrinate these environmentalists early!
Julie Menke
I remember reading in the Tampa Tribune when this horrible incident took place ("Losing a Child," by Dawn Morgan, Aug. 8). I was angered of course since DUI and death happen all too often. I really believe P.J. would want his mom to go on with her life and live!! It is hurting me to know she still hurts!! By the way … the butterfly is a sign of life, not of loss. I raise them and watch life evolve every day. Most butterflies only live a few days. Their life's cycle is to create more life before they pass on. Lisa, you have a lot of life to live. Please live it.
Eddie
Poor kid: Excellent idea ("The Seven Deadly Sins of Kid Culture," by Curt Holman, Aug. 1). Form a protective bubble around your child shielding them from any sort of stereotype, racial slur, violence or any other sort of real situation they might face in the outside world. That'll get 'em nice and ready for life. Thumbs up to you buddy, good job.
Mark
Good work: The great thing is that you're THINKING about this stuff ("The Seven Deadly Sins of Kid Culture," by Curt Holman, Aug. 1). There's no right answer. The sanctimonious folks with their smug, "Oh, pish posh, what a bunch of political correct nonsense" have no more claim to the truth than do you. My daughter (who is now 10 and a superstar on all fronts) has had her exposure to various things you listed limited. We have done controlled release of racist/sexist/violent material always preceded by and followed by conversation about any themes that come up.
By discussing these things — are we simply passing on our adult ideas about the world onto kid? Maybe. But I'd rather make her aware of the issues in an intelligent and intentional way than have her encountering them randomly.
In the end, we let her make the decision. For some stuff (mostly movies containing violent imagery) she chooses to watch it and discuss it with us when it disturbs her. For other things (racist and sexist imagery/concepts) she mostly chooses to avoid them, and when she ends up in a movie or reading a book that contains them, she likes to bring it up with us and ask us questions.
Dad in Oregon
I love Hollis Gillespie's writing! While her shocking, real-life writing style may not be for everyone ("My pussy ass is staying put," by Hollis Gillespie, July 11), Hollis Gillespie's musings about her madcap friends and her hilarious anecdotes coupled with her poignant memories of her dysfunctional family make for a winning combination with me. She is a superb illustrator because she draws in your mind's eye with her words. A remarkable talent, indeed. Thanks, Hollis!
KSK
Nice to see some real funk in the Bay area! I had the opportunity to see [the Soulphonics] on Friday night ("The Soul Reason," Aug. 8, by Wade Tatangelo) and they blew the roof off Dave's. I am originally from the NE and it has been hard to find true R&B here in FL. These guys had an energy that is rarely seen in live music. Please come back soon!!!!
Chris
This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2007.
