The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Batting Around

1.13.03 @ 12:01AM

EXCUSE ME?
Re: The Washington Prowler's John and Jeanne:

While I find the general thrust of your story on John Kerry's New Hampshire moves believable, I must object to the dagger you inserted:

"In reality, if Kerry doesn't win there, his campaign may be toast. This, after all, is a primary in a state that is basically a suburb of Massachusetts."

"Basically a suburb of Massachusetts"? Have you examined the difference in the makeup of the state Senates and state Houses of Representatives in New Hampshire and Massachusetts? Have you compared the congressional delegations from the two states? Are you aware that more and more New Hampshire high tech workers are working in New Hampshire, not Massachusetts?

The truth is, most New Hampshire residents would shudder at your characterization of our state. Have you ever been here?
-- Tim Mark
Goffstown, NH

THE SPORTING LIFE
Re: Francis X. Rocca's Buy God:

Though I agree with Francis X. Rocca's observation about shopping , one can't help use his arguments to point to a bigger American idol: sports.

Sports is a great filler for life of course because there's no serious threat from it. We can't offend someone the same way we would if we talked about politics or religion. Moreover, besides the occasional Colombian soccer player or English hoodlum, no one dies being a sports fanatic. The same can't be said of Chinese democracy workers or practicing Christians in some Middle Eastern countries.

Show up at any sports event (I call them services) and you realize it's amazingly like a large church, where a friendly audience gathers to cheer on the home team. All you need is a short 15 minute sermon -- which sports commentators gladly provide. As a friend's shirt pontificates, people love to "Eat, sleep, sports".

Of course there's nothing wrong with playing midnight hockey or catching the finals on TV. However, when a culture devotes much of its time to filler, the rest of life, including God, becomes halftime entertainment.
-- Jose Ruba
Ottawa, Ontario

ENEMY OF THE WEEK
Re: Enemy Central Among the Philosophers:

You could not pay me enough to miss this. It almost always makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. The real question is should I bless you or damn you. With respect,
-- Dick Lambert
Eagle Rock, VA

Re: "Among the Philosophers" this evening, LOL!!! I'm glad I took the time to read it Sunday evening when I have the time to savor it, and not Monday morning when I'd be in a rush. Keep up the good work!
-- Gail

NO KIDDING
Re: Manhattan Stealth:

I really enjoyed Paul Beston's description of his life as a Conservative in Manhattan. I daresay I share some of his experiences as a Conservative in Seattle. I never fail to be amazed, and amused, by the groupthink that passes for political opinion here, especially when it comes to the idea of diversity -- of utmost importance except when it comes to diversity of opinion, which simply shall not stand. As my (Liberal) wife often says, "You're the only person I know who thinks _____".

Letter to the Editor

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