I have struggled with the N-word all my life ("Niggers, old & new," by Keith A. Owens, Dec. 12-18, 2001). I used it during my youth. During my adult incarnation, I have elected not to use the word, and I request others not do so in my presence. I support dropping the word from our memory for one simple reason: Who knows what the word means? Everyone wants to take license with defining the word. I know of no other word in English for which so many diverse definitions/interpretations exist. If and when an agreement can be reached about the meaning, the matter would then be solved. But that solution would pose a major problem in that the dominate culture (read Caucasians) would be in the position of the majority imposing on the minority. Does this not fuel the flame? Would that not put us back where we started? Hence, deep six the N-word. —Marlene Brownlee, [email protected], Southfield
A different story
All those people dead, and Lessenberry does not think that enuf to go to war? I bet if your children or mother were in the Trade Towers, you might be whining a different story. Praise be to Allah that you’re just a rag writer, not a president. Hey, are you friends with John Walker? Or maybe he's just your hero. —Philip S. Preuss, [email protected], Walled Lake
Rip-off
As someone who is displeased with my Comcast (in Southfield), I enjoyed your story ("Mega hurts," Metro Times, Jan. 9-15).
I would be interested in reading a follow-up on how Comcast derives its prices. You mentioned that a reason for the increase is the increased cost in programming. I did some research and found that there are varying per-subcriber rates the networks charge the cable companies (who pass it on to the customers). Discovery Channel charges around $.78, ESPN ranges from $.71-$2 (the numbers are from a story at tvinsite.com). Since I never watch Discovery (or many of the channels), I feel it is kind of a rip-off I have to pay for them anyway. Thanks for the story. —David Taub, [email protected], Detroit
Courage and guts
I was deeply moved by the story you wrote about Salma, an Arab Muslim woman whose husband has been arrested indefinitely by the U.S. government ("Visa-vis Rabih," Metro Times, Jan. 16-22). I would like to start by thanking you from the bottom of my heart for spending your valuable time for a just Muslim cause. May Allah reward you for your efforts. It takes courage and guts to write in favor of Muslims who have been unnecessarily targeted by our government for the 9/11 tragedy. I admire your efforts to report in depth the plight of a Muslim family going through such trying times. I agree with you that our government is being unfair in targeting a certain group of people for immigration violations. We must rise up against racial discrimination as this will create inequality among us and for generations to come.
Appreciate your effort. —R.Hyder, Saratoga, Calif.
Hope and pray
I am writing to thank you for your story on Rabih Haddad.
It is so important that we, as Americans, and people in general retain a lens of humanity during times of crisis — for truly, that is the only way we as human beings will solve our differences.
I hope and pray that we see more and more articles and news stories like yours. —Sarah Sayeed, Ph.D, New York, NY
Might be wrong
Chris Willie Williams’ review of Radiohead’s album I Might Be Wrong (Reviews, Metro Times, Jan. 16-22) is a well-written and thoughtful review. I agree with everything that is said, except for the "sore thumb" comment about "True Love Waits." I found this track to be a beautiful break from the ever-evolving Radiohead style. Thom Yorke's voice bleeds emotion in this song, and its contrasting simplicity makes for an open-ended conclusion. (I am now even less patient about waiting for their next album to be released.) Well, to each their own, I guess. How ironic that this album is called I Might Be Wrong. —Brandon Malik, [email protected] Send letters (200 words or less, please) to 733 St. Antoine, Detroit 48226; faxes to 313-961-6598 or email to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit for length and
