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