Bush Puts U.S. In Backseat
“With Trembling Fingers” (May 12) is one of the most poignant pieces Hal Crowther has written for CL. One thing he makes very clear is that no one, Americans included, is exempt from the universal and natural laws that spank mankind whenever he forgets he is not God.
Hermann Goering witnessed firsthand how easy it was to get the scared and feeble-minded to disregard the man behind the curtain and tremble at the image on the screen. He later learned that the world exists in a much larger context than the myopic views of a few men who have garnered the faith of the masses using psychological tricks. Hitler’s ambition was matched only by his failure to comprehend the spirit of those he sought to convert to his way of thinking. Had things gone better for him in Russia he would have learned, as Bush is learning now, that just because you have the military ass to penetrate the leading edge of a society with force, you are still generations away from converting people into seeing things your way. Even if Bush wins another term, God forbid, four more years of global alienation and an open checkbook to flog whatever country needs a beating will only insure America a backseat in the growing global culture that is starting to need us less and less. Brother, can you spare a Euro?
— Robert Hildreth, Charlotte
Required Reading
We should be thankful for thoughtful and well-informed journalists such as Hal Crowther. In a time when information is skewed to suit whatever axe a writer or publication has to grind, Hal is refreshingly honest. Because he does his homework, we can sometimes believe what we read in the paper.
His column should be required reading for every American of voting age. Not that it will change the minds of the 40 percent who vote or the 60 percent who don’t, but his take on the Bush Administration is correct — at best it’s frightening, but probably apocalyptic is more accurate.
The sad truth is the average American voter is so ill-informed that voting decisions are almost never based on an understanding of the issues. How can it be? Most people I observe are more interested in pleasuring themselves in the pop/celebrity culture that surrounds us. What’s the latest and hottest fad? What “reality” show, “sitcom”, or video game is everyone talking about? Do they own the latest gimmick? Which female singer is exposing herself this week? In which war are we “kicking ass” this year? Thanks for publishing Hal Crowther. It’s been too long since you have included his writing.
— Joseph. F. Thompson, Charlotte
Administration Missteps
I just read Hal Crowther’s article about the Iraq atrocities. I could not agree with him more. This war in Iraq is a disaster! What are we going to do now? This administration has caused the biggest international misstep in my lifetime. I’m a 42-year-old single mother with two children. My son will be 15 in July; is he going to be drafted at 18? We have shamed ourselves around the world. Can we ever make up for those pictures? It will take a real statesman-like President to do that. This election is the most important that I will ever vote in, and believe me I will cast my vote for Kerry.
— Lynne Beamon, Huntersville
Walters Sees Our Potential
I always look forward to David Walters’ terrific and informative articles. I am a college student majoring in City Planning (and although not one of David’s students), and I do hope to one day be the best urban designer Charlotte has seen. Walters sees the tremendous potential that lies before Charlotte and I would like to thank him for the countless efforts he has put forward to help Charlotte realize that potential. We are lucky to have him looking after the well-being of our community and training those who will eventually lead the way for development in our unique and wonderful region.
— Josh Looney, Charlotte
Quinn Must Be Nuts
It is incumbent upon you to stage an intervention as soon as possible for Quinn Cotton. I can not begin to imagine what horrible events have happened in her life, to so poison her mind, outlook, and perceptions of her neighbors.
Her recent column comparing homeschoolers to Islamic terrorists (“Homeschool Horror,” May 5) is so far beyond the pale that it must be considered a cry for help. One can only assume that she is stark raving mad. I trust that those of you who work with her on a daily basis will attempt to get her some professional help.
— TC Rider, Apex, NC
Quinn, You Ignorant Scum
Tell this miscreant, this pudding-brained moron that goes by the cutesy name of Quinn Cotton, that if he (sic) wants to meet me and have a close discussion about how homeschoolers are wild-eyed fanatics worthy of little more than comparison to Islamic lunatics, I’ll gladly arrange it. One on one. Such ignorant scum as this Cotton character, whoever the hell he is, disgust me to no end. You should be ashamed of yourselves for even publishing this unmitigated crap. [I am the] father of seven — all home-schooled. I also despise liars and propagandists.
Stuart Alexander, Raleigh, NC
This article appears in May 19-25, 2004.
