Letters to the Editor

What You Say

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Published: Aug 19, 2009

Comical

The comics in the issue were great (bias notwithstanding), but I must say I was disappointed you guys didn't talk at all about Philly's thriving comics scene [Cover Story, "Strip Search," Aug. 13, 2009]. Nowhere in the issue mentions the wealth of creators, professional and non, we have. One of Philadelphia's saving graces is its DIY art scene. It doesn't matter whom your grandmother gave head to; you can be a no-name with a bunch of no-name friends. The same goes for comic-ers. Not only does Philly appreciate a good Xerox-and-staple affair, but the rise of the Internet has given more exposure to creators. Comics are finally gaining momentum as a legitimate storytelling and artistic medium — to not even devote a paragraph to these points seems like a waste.

I know this issue was probably more about you guys being able to relax and run free content, but I hope at one point you can spare the space for one of the best things Philly's got going for it.

I get that one of the purposes of this paper is to bring light to all different aspects, cultural and otherwise, of this city, and I respect that [Naked City, "Uhuru Are You?" Thomas Dreisbach, Aug. 13, 2009]. However, I absolutely cannot respect your decision to publish an article about the Uhuru Movement. To think you're actually giving these people a voice and displaying their radical ideas in your paper is sickening. These people support criminals. The only thing I gained is that I now know to never shop at their store.

What are you advocating for by printing an article full of distortion and disdain for the African community's right to organize in their own interest? In Philadelphia, notorious for police brutality, Diop Olugbala should be upheld for speaking for justice for the black community. Diop Olugbala does not mean war — the American government means war — Iraq, Afghanistan and right here in black communities of Philly. Young black men are routinely rounded up and regularly shot down by the police. The Uhuru Movement is speaking out, and leading a worldwide movement for African self-determination and freedom. That is not a small thing, that is the best hope for the future for all including the white community.

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