Timely pursuit

Professor Lessenberry wrote a fine, timely essay about Detroit’s greatest 19th century mayor, Hazen S. Pingree (“The story of Detroit’s socialist mayor,” Feb. 27). Is it not fascinating how a businessman turned politician, eventually governor, raises a phalanx of opposition from the capital-heavy interests? Maybe he knew all too well how they think. Per contra, latterly we regard the voting habits of huge numbers of pathetic white males — lining up with the upper classes and their corporate properties — before they apply for food stamps.

An amusing note about Pingree, however: In England his populist reputation brought him much attention, all the more so because he looked like Prince “Bertie” or King Edward VII. I cannot recall the time period. When Pingree fell sick, the palace dispatched a physician.

 — G.M. Ross, Lowell

Socialist study

Thanks to Larry Gabriel for keeping the focus on David Kennedy’s program to stop the violence in Detroit (“Targeting violent crime,” March 6). I read his book also and have great hopes that it will work here as it has in other cities. Please keep us up-to-date on his progress. It will take pressure from the media and from all of us who care about the city to get this done, but it can be done if we all work together. — Lori Nelson, Wayne

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