March 19, 2024

Letters 08-22-2016

Aug. 19, 2016

Historically Wrong

In regard to Mary Keyes Rogers’ column about the downtown charter amendment, neither Samuel Adams nor Thomas Jefferson were at the Constitutional Convention.

L.G. Cummings, Harbor Springs

The Film Possibilities

I was surprised that none of the Traverse City Film Festival films addressed the most pressing and dangerous issue of the day: radical Islamic Jihad. Perhaps a storyline could have illustrated how the West brought this on themselves, or if we could only find jobs for those fellows! Perhaps put it down to global warming.

There were a couple of films set in the Middle East with predictable themes, but nothing to my knowledge about the lads who are busy dispatching any infidels they can get their hands on.

An opportunity lost to illustrate the tragic slaughter of a family, a village, a child, the destruction of a way of life that has existed for thousands of years. Or a first person narrative featuring a 16-year-old forced into becoming a murderer for the lack of a job or because global warming is baking his brain. I imagine our precious screenwriters are moral relativists not wanting to "point a finger," so a discussion of workplace violence writ large might have been in order. The possibilities for a meaningful film seem endless.

Robert Sullivan, Traverse City

Helmets Save Lives

The facts are in. Wearing a helmet is the most effective tool to save your brain in a motorcycle accident. The bonus? Helmets also save hearts. Nearly two yrs ago, on Aug. 26, 2014 our son lived.

After finishing his workday he walked out to his beloved motorcycle and, as always, he chose to wear his helmet. We realize, due to the repeal of Michigan’s life-saving helmet law, that this is a choice that many riders no longer make. We, however, will always be grateful that our Brian not only decided to protect himself as much as possible (while still very much enjoying the freedom he felt while riding) but that in doing so he also chose to protect all those who love him from unimaginable loss. Nearly two years ago our son lived. Will yours?

Brian Allen, Traverse City

Trending

What's Behind the Orange Cone

This road construction season promises to be one for the ages, so we’re starting something new here at Northern Expr... Read More >>

Transformational Libraries

Over the past two years, the American Library Association (ALA) has offered more than $7 million in grants to small and ru... Read More >>

The Butterflies and the Bees

How much do you know about pollinators and native plants? The Wexford Conservation District is ready to up your knowledge ... Read More >>

An Ecstatic Equinox

Celebrate the Spring Equinox (early this year: March 19) with the Day of Dance at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Par... Read More >>