The American Spectator

p> I think about the Britain I once knew as a kid when I read Hal Colebatch’s “Cameron’s Carbon Conservatism” and feel so sad. I hate to think what my father and all those people’s other “fathers” and “grandfathers” would say knowing that spineless, clueless and useless politicians have all but wiped out their sacrifices from previous decades. What an abuse of power and trust they illustrate in their behavior, thinking and actions. If the situation wasn’t so depressing, it would be laughable that the current crop of ‘leaders’ across all parties in that once great country have the arrogance to think they are worth the jot. I mourn for the Britain I used to know and love and felt proud of. The politicians “running” the place are not worth the air they breathe, nor the air time they receive. br> — G. Constable br> Sydney, Australia /p> p> A JOHN WAYNE SYMPHONY br> Re: Larry Thornberry’s Listen to This, Pilgrim : /p>

Thanks for the report on “Duke” music by Larry Thornberry.

John Wayne was around all of my growing up years. I wasn’t particularly a fan of his work and persona until recently. Over the past several months, I’ve taken to watching my J.W. favorites repeatedly, then getting into some of his old '30s Saturday matinee films.

My first choice Wayne movies are the WWII’s: Sands of Iwo Jima, Flying Leathernecks/Tigers, Fighting Seabees, Back to Bataan … and the WWII look-alikes: The Longest Day; In Harm’s Way. Over the last year or so I have converted into one who loves to see John Wayne in any good movie (there are some bad ones … like the one with air-headed Ann-Margret). The movie that turned me was Fighting Seabees. J.W. still looked pretty young. Girl-next-door cute (and smart) Susan Hayward adds immense enjoyment…good reasons for re-watching. Fighting Seabees reflects patriotism, romance, and idealism that continued in America up until the Left’s aggression against our national will and decency during Vietnam. Even then, John Wayne stuck with us.

As far as John Williams’ music is concerned, the “Florida Symphony 700” got by far the better deal on football night. No contest. Mr. Thornberry takes it a (musical) bridge too far, however, in Mahler vs. Williams. Just as Aaron Copland is no John Williams; John Williams is no Gustav Mahler.