Letters to the Editor

A moving declaration

Re: “Driven to destruction” (Metro Times, June 16), while I am not a native Detroiter (I grew up in Flint, until my move in 2001), I am quickly learning about Detroit’s history. From what I’ve heard, the riots in the ’60s were what began the “white flight” to the burbs.

Because we didn’t live through the riots and the mass exodus, I believe it is the responsibility of Gen-X to change this thinking. We don’t have the memories, fears and prejudices of surviving such a tumultuous period. Consequently, I believe it is our responsibility to lead this and future generations toward coexistence with those that may look differently on the outside.

While I cannot change my parents’ thinking, I can change my own. I can lead through my example. I can move back to Detroit.

I believe that if more people like myself and Kelli Kavanaugh will stand up to our fears and our parents’ fears, and move into Detroit with a mission of peace, hope and love, the whole city of Detroit will feel this change. Detroit can change, but change always begins with “me.” —Shannon R. Walsh, Detroit

Looking at a Blackbird

Keith Owens’ description of a Blackbird at an air show (“Meet the patriots,” Metro Times, June 30) is flawed. Though he describes the shape (a black triangle with a long neck) accurately enough, it is not a bomber. A high altitude reconnaissance aircraft and one of the fastest airplanes ever built, the SR-71 was never fitted with weapons. The “bomb bay” Mr. Owens recalls seeing was probably the camera bay.

Being awed by its appearance might explain another trick of memory, his description of the plane’s “ominous silence.” The SR-71 may seem quiet when making a low pass, but it is by no means silent. And when it zooms off it can be astonishingly loud. —Lee David Rimar, Lake Orion

No references required

I like your publication but I have a major beef with some of the articles, particularly the ones concerning anything connected to Detroit’s music scene, past or present. It seems the writers of these articles take great pride in fitting in as many self-indulgent references as possible. Not to help the article or add information to the topic but to try to point out how “hip” they are. After the third obscure reference my eyes glaze over, my brain shuts down. Advice for the writers: “Keep to the topic, stop the obscurity (I don’t care what underground club you hung out at in 1983) and stop trying to whack off your own ego.” —Gary Delcourt, Clinton Township

Moore’s audience: GOP?

What has disappointed and puzzled me about Lisa Collins’ review of Fahrenheit 9/11 (Metro Times, June 30) is the bizarre expectation that Moore should have catered to Republicans. How can you expose all the lies told by this bogus administration and lure its supporters to see such a film? It’s not going to happen. Some may go out of anger, curiosity, or a willingness to counter Moore’s claims. A “real” Republican (and I know too many) is not going to be converted — even when betrayed.

Moore is arrogant? I see him as indignant and rightfully so. I think the characters in Fahrenheit 9/11 — the Bushes, the Saudis, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz — are the ones who come across as smug and arrogant! —Debbie Alkamano, Bloomfield Hills

Walls made of stone?

I would just like to refute the negative review that Mr. Walls wrote about the movie, The Notebook (Metro Times, June 30). I feel that he was unduly harsh in his scathing and cynical-sounding review of this film. I saw this movie last weekend, and for the first time in many years, I was compelled to yield to my emotions and cried the hardest I have ever done in any movie I have seen. The audience there was filled with many others who, likewise, were moved to tears at the last part of the movie in particular. I don’t really get why Mr. Walls’ reaction was so mocking and derogatory. —Diane Klemer, Commerce Twp.