Letters 8/24/06

Aug. 23, 2006

Role of the press
I am dismayed at the petition drive attempting to change the journalistic and editorial approach of the Record-Eagle. For all the denials about there not being a “Good Old Boys” network, this petition leaves just that impression.
The role of media in society is to report on issues affecting the community. As Patricia Kelly Vanneque stated in a recent Record- Eagle letter to the editor, “...print is the most important form of news because of its ability to tell the entire story no matter how involved or messy.”
Things have gotten messy for some of the “Good Old Boys,“ so let’s blame the messenger?
I think the Record-Eagle has done an outstanding job in digging for the truth and reporting its findings. Yes, they’ve been critical of some community leaders but it’s been deserved.
When you seek elected office or serve on a board, it’s your duty to act responsibly, accept consequences, and when you don’t, be open about your actions and understand that if you choose to be secretive, then we’re liable not to trust – or vote – for you or the issue you’re promoting. Have faith in your community and trust that it’s wise enough to sort through the facts they report and draw the proper conclusions.

Barb Mort • TC

Reasons to rock
I am a 28-year-old. In his 8/17 Random Thoughts column Robert Downes said that young people may not attend concerts en masse because they are used to being entertained at home. I have more to add to that.
I took band in elementary school, had music class in seventh and eighth grades, I have been to five concerts, gone to local bars a few times when bands were there, attended a few open mics, have been to dance clubs on two continents, have stopped by Bliss, and the Suttons Bay Jazz Fest. I have heard local jazz musicians, and folksingers, as well as random performances at coffee shops and street fairs.
I am just nonplussed by music; as you can see I have given it a try.
From what I have read, youth today feel isolated. Why? Suburban life, entertainment, and being alone often. Perhaps we don’t feel the same that the people of the ‘60s-‘70s did: that we are on the cusp of change, or that we are the ones that will change things, etc., and seek out large groups of our fellow youth/world changers to reaffirm that feeling.
I have to say that having people of various ages at a music venue hasn‘t ever turned me off to the scene/vibe.
Do I plan to go to the two concerts coming to town? Yes. To listen to music, expose myself to new bands or types of music I am not that familiar with? No. I go because I like groups of people, seeing so many in our area, when at other times of the year I can be the only person on the street in the middle of downtown, seems a surreal contrast. The same occurs at Cherry Fest, Film Fest and Friday Night Live.

Corina Rick • TC

(Thanks Corina, and thanks to reader John Hanasack for reminding me that the Goose Lake Pop Festival was in 1970, not 1971 as I had written. -- R.D.)

Since the towers fell
Since the twin towers fell in New York City the Bush administration’s Middle East policy has incited more violence across the region, which has also divided our nation.
Throwing fuel on the fire are numerous radical right radio personalities spewing hatred and insults against many Americans who embrace a more liberal perspective, which by the way, is their democratic right to disagree.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars...Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Where now will this spiraling tornado of vengeance lead us? Perhaps, to the back doors of Syria and Iran? Yet, our Secretary of State is instructed not to establish a bridge of communication with our apparent foes. It has become a terribly sad day for the entire world community that those in power choose to negotiate with bombs rather than words.

Wayne Erreca • TC

Pink & proud
Wednesdays at 5 p.m. people stand vigil on the parkway in Traverse City. We stand in solidarity with families who lost loved-ones in the war on Iraq. We stand up to our administration for leading us, on false pretenses, into this war. We support soldiers like Lt. Watada who would rather face court martial than participate in this war. We stand against the horror Iraqis, Palestinians, Israelis and Lebanese live with while our president tries to bomb the world into democracy in our name on our dollar.
We stand for peace and justice.
Many drivers respond during our hour-long protest. Eight out of 10: honk, flash the peace sign and thank us. One out of 10 people respond otherwise with interesting and false accusations. Contrary to their opinion: We have jobs (as social workers, nurses, educators, doctors, attorneys and business owners), though some of us are retired. Some of us are vets. We are educated. We pay taxes.
We wholeheartedly honor and support our troops. We want them home, NOW. We want our National Guard home NOW. As of today, 2,600 U.S. soldiers have died and over 20,000 have been wounded in Iraq, as well as over 100,000 (many innocent bystanders) Iraqis. It is impossible to tally the damage done to their respective families.
I want to thank those who acknowledge us on the parkway. Not everyone has the opportunity or inclination to stand publicly for his or her ideals. I’d like to encourage the one in ten who turn your thumbs down to do some research. Turn off FOX News and explore the media. War is expensive business.
The majority of U.S. citizens do not support our military occupation in the Middle East. Many Iraqis, Afghanis, Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese don’t want us there, either.
Those of us standing on the parkway love our country. We are not alone. We invite more of you to join us, on the parkway, and for the Mass March on the Mackinaw Bridge and Peace Camp Labor Day weekend.

Mimi Laroo, Code Pink • TC