Letters to the Editor

What You Say

We're sharp

I cried, I laughed and I celebrated [Cover Story, "Children of the Sword," Bill Meagher, Oct. 8, 2009]! I have to say I am very grateful to have had the pleasure to read this amazing article. I felt so much emotion throughout the entire read. The story Bill has painted here is pure genius. There are many misconceptions about sword swallowing and he has proven the fact (which I believe) that this indeed is a true art form. The photography work is phenomenal. I have been to many Carnivolution events and so happy to see someone cover the scope so well! My hat's off to you, Bill Meagher and City Paper, for featuring this!

Exactly how does Philadelphia become a world-class city by breaking into its suburban neighbor's house and stealing its goods [Naked City, "Populism and Propriety," Julia Harte, Oct. 8, 2009]? The travesty of the Barnes heist is that it will make Philadelphia an international laughingstock; the tragedy is that it would — if actually pulled off — destroy a great and unique site of art. But it won't be. Far from a done deal, the Barnes heist is actually coming apart. The money's not there, and soon Ed Rendell won't be, either. Here's hoping the whole thing drowns in the ridicule it so richly deserves.

I'm with Mr. Valente on this one [Feedback, "X Marx the Spot," F. Valente, Oct. 8, 2009]. People the likes of Martin Droll pretend to know something about government oppression and human rights, but they would dare not stand in the face of real conflict, and know nothing about using a realistic approach to confront the very issues they protest against. If you truly want to make a difference, go to college, get a job and stop inventing reasons not to be a productive member of society. As I stated before Marty, leave the real fighting to the grown folks. And tell your friends to get a clue (and their own name).