Hydrogen Bomb
This letter is in reference to the picture on the front of Creative Loafing‘s May 12 issue. The cover consisted of a Colorado DMU with the CATS logo imposed on the train.
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) did not give permission for usage of distortion of our logo to fit into the cover scheme of your newspaper.
CATS is requesting a retraction stating that the logo was used without permission and that the use of our logo does not endorse the article, vehicle type or manufacturer.
— Olaf Kinard, CATS Marketing Manager
Editor’s Note:
We do not need CATS’ permission to use their logo to accompany a news story. The illustration in question was a composite photo showing what it might look like if Charlotte decided to have hydrogen-powered light rail service. Mr. Kinard is correct in saying that CATS did not endorse anything related to the article and, in fact, it was made clear in the article that CATS has no plans for hydrogen-powered rail service.
40 Million Idiots
Reading Hal Crowther’s excellent article (“With Trembling Fingers,” May 12), helped me single out the most harrowing aspect of the Bush administration. I think I can actually verbalize it in spite of the fact that more than just my fingers are trembling. The most appalling and blood-curdling thing about the Bush administration is that 40 million people — half of the politically engaged population of this country — refuse to respond to reality. One impressively stupid man in a position of power is bad enough. Forty million idiots rooting for another four years is cause for panic. What would it take, I wonder, for Bushies to reevaluate their blind resolve to support the insupportable?
— Yelena Franklin, Charlotte
Honor Left In The Dust
The abuse of people held in prisons in Iraq is a logical extension of the political climate in our country where an arrogant, ignorant, vengeful president was determined to go to war with a country that posed no threat to ours. He and his administration exude a bring ’em on, kick ass mentality that encourages the belief that Americans are superior to other people and, therefore, we can assert our will anywhere and however we want. To further complicate matters, clear lines of authority and control are no longer applicable in this army where mercenaries are beyond military justice. Privatization of the military has led to a very messy, expensive war. Bush has said that God led him to go to war, so this is a holy war of the righteous right with Bush in the lead chariot. Humanity, decency and honor have been left in the dust.
— Deanna Spake, Charlotte
Outlandish, Irresponsible and Wrong
Your column by Quinn Cotton about parents home-schooling their children (“Homeschooling Horror,” May 5) demonstrates that it takes more than passionate opinions to make a columnist. Quinn’s resentment of people who subscribe to a moral authority other than their own is obvious, and says more about her than about them. Her labeling of those who direct their lives and rear their children in accordance with their religious beliefs as fanatics, and her consequent comparison of home-schoolers to terrorists, are outlandish and irresponsible. Her assertions about the nature of socialization among animals, which she totes out as evidence to prove her points about home-schooling, are flat wrong. Virtually every higher level animal, growing up in its natural environment, is reared through home-schooling. Studies on several species show that animals socialized primarily by peer groups, as opposed to family units, tend to become hooligans and bullies. I imagine the home-schoolers have seen enough evidence of that in the public schools.
— Tom Massey, Matthews
She Didn’t Say That!
I am a weekly reader of Creative Loafing and I am disappointed with the “Word on the Street” in the May 5 issue. I would really like to think that Mrs. Ella McKinney’s comment was printed in error. This is not humorous but a poor reflection of professionalism on your part. If indeed she did make this comment, it should have been obvious that she clearly did not understand the question! What poor taste on the decision to print this statement. You select a Parking Specialist, Bank Teller, Contractor all within the same age range, then Mrs. McKinney. I guess you had to find a minority other than Ms. Carlson ( a woman). If there was no retraction/ correction, YOU SHOULD! I strongly feel that your paper was the TIGER ON THE PROWL! and I hope you sleep good knowing that you shamed a good, innocent, hard-working, God-fearing woman.
— Myrtle J. Cowen, Charlotte
Editor’s Reply:
The Word On The Street feature is satirical fiction. Those aren’t really CL readers – please note how the same four photos keep reappearing each week.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2004.
