January 22-28, 2004

mailbag

Letters to the Editor

by the Readers

Dis-Agreement

It must be duly noted for your readers that a great error has occurred in ["Civil Dis," Deborah Bolling, Jan. 15, 2004].

The article, about five wayward individuals who supposedly "served seven-day sentences for performing acts of civil disobedience," is a misnomer and factually incorrect. These individuals served their petty sentences for refusing to pay a $250 fine and not because of any just "political statement" on their part. The real act of their civil disobedience was served at the federal courthouse on March 20, and not by some far-fetched, desperate attempt at martyrism.

It is almost understandable how Hanlon-Smith, the 22-year-old, would see his going to prison as a political statement (for certain, he is young and, hence, naive). But what about the eldest of the bunch, 66-year-old Sylvia Metzler? What is her reasoning (or more appropriately, lack thereof) for choosing to spend time in a cold cell when her point was most certainly made on March 20? (Hint: a little too much time on one's hands.)

May I make a recommendation for these individuals? In the future, at least attempt to make a genuine effort to spare society of this tired and drawn-out melodrama. Know when your point has been made and bow out gracefully; people will respect you for it.

JeAnna Doyle
Philadelphia

Hickey Disgusts Him

My pulse quickened and boiled as I read ["Fourth and 26," Brian Hickey, Slant, Jan. 15, 2004]. As a lifelong Philadelphian I began to share in your despair over the lack of "great Philadelphia sports moments." It was, however, at the end of that, your first sentence, where you lost my heart, and ignited my ire.

Despite being eight years your junior, my answer to your Jersey and New York friends would be quicker, more accurate and frankly, more dignified than yours. Two simple words: 1980 Phillies.

How was that for a parade? You were, I believe, 6 years old. Do you not remember that parade? I don't. I wasn't born then. Yet when Tug McGraw stepped out of that black Town Car after the last game at the Vet and re-enacted that final out, tears streamed down my face. My 1980 Phillies poster is completely autographed, a feat that took 10 wonderful years of lines and card shows. Was that not a championship enough to conjure pride in your shallow soul? Is the World Series not enough for you? You would sooner mention the failed attempt of the Sixers in 2001 than give due credit to the only Philadelphia team in your lifetime to win a championship.

You are a disgrace. You would sooner mention almost-wins than a win itself. What kind of sports fan are you? You disgust me. City Paper disgusts me for printing your article.

Benjamin R. Palubinsky
Via E-mail

Dog of a Story

Where can we read the short stories that lost? Because they sound a lot better than ["Loving a Wet Dog," Douglas Robinson, Jan. 15, 2004]. I suggest that Ms. Barrientos go back to school, because she does not know a good story when she sees one.

Maureen Fitzgerald
Frankford

Your short-story winner read more like a journal -- not a short story. It was better than last year’s, but you still have a long way to go to pick a satisfying short story.

Cathy Miller
Center City