Letters to the Editor (6/18)

Memo to Chuck Rogér: most Americans are done with divisive political rhetoric!

They have realized that the rigid, either/or thinking at the root of such vitriol perpetuates, rather than solves most of the problems we now face. Consequently, this country's citizens are seeking a change in our collective mind-set.

Of course, human social systems are inherently dynamic, so most change occurs naturally.  Rigorous discussion of the ideas that continuously transform our world is central to this dynamic structure and vital to the long-term health of humankind. However, when we oversimplify complex phenomena - whether climate patterns, economic forces, or people - rather than explore them in a substantive way, we contribute nothing of value to the dialogue.

Indeed, I've yet to meet a person simple-minded enough to be precisely labeled, though I've encountered some, like Rogér ("Three flavors of fun and 1 bummer," June 6, AFN), who, due to intellectual laziness, naively brand and categorize others.  Like most people's acquaintances, my friends and associates embody innumerable combinations of beliefs: fiscal conservatives who are social progressives; social conservatives who are innovative artists; risk-taking entrepreneurs who are otherwise unadventurous; in short, interesting, multifaceted people.

I challenge Rogér to sow seeds of contemplation, not provoke discord. Such seeds might generate fruit. Venomous verbiage poisons.

Gary Hill

Schmuck: Tell the Voters Where You Stand!

Dear Editor,

A flyer from the Frank Schmuck campaign was left on the windshield of my car. At first, I thought the whole thing must be a joke considering the man's unfortunate last name.  However, after reading his literature, I realized that he was in fact a real candidate. Although I was able to read about Mr. Schmuck's personal accomplishments, nothing was mentioned about what issues are important to him. I then assumed he must have this information listed on his website. Unfortunately, not a single issue was discussed anywhere on his site.     

Needless to say, this concerns me as a voter and as a resident of Tempe. I want strong leaders who have a firm grasp of the issues and who know exactly what they are going to accomplish. Many of the candidates have impressive backgrounds but, in order to earn my vote, they must align with me on the issues that I feel are important. While I commend Mr. Schmuck on his various achievements, I am unconfident in his ability to represent me as he apparently is unwilling to articulate his standpoint on any issues whatsoever.

Susan Krauskopf

Thank goodness the politicians are here to shield us from viewing tobacco consumption

Sometimes what bothers me most about the inefficiencies in the way our government functions is the deranged prioritization of our moral standards which are often put forth into law. I recently saw the preview for the movie The Hulk, which has a disclaimer at the end of it warning potential viewers that the film "contains depictions of tobacco consumption."

Hallelujah, I was worried that some of our children were being exposed to material that might not be suitable for developing minds. Never mind the gratuitous depictions of murder, rape, sex, molestation, armed robbery, illicit drug use, kidnapping, or alcohol consumption in the movies, I want to be sure my kids aren't seeing Clint Eastwood take a few drags from his hand-rolled cigarettes. Sweet Maria, is this really what we've come to? We've already allowed the demonization of tobacco users to result in crippling tax rates ($8 per pack if you live in New York), tobacco companies being prohibited from almost any kind of advertising (a virtually unprecedented measure if you don't live in the former Soviet Union or Nazi Germany), and laws passed in nearly every major metropolitan city that tells smokers where they can and cannot light up on public and private property.

Enough is enough, if we're going to force the tobacco industry to live up to draconian standards then we better hold the sex, drugs, and violence industry to at least the same standards. I'm no criminologist but I can't recall any crimes that were ever linked to an abusive childhood filled with depictions of lit cigarettes. Politicians, get over yourselves, step out of your glass houses, come down from your soapboxes, and put your own house in order before you try and clean up ours in the same bumbling fashion that you have mismanaged everything else from our deficit to our tax code. The next time we want someone to organize sex acts for money, unduly spend our tax dollars, or tell us where we can and cannot drill for oil, we'll give you a ring. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to go pay $75 to fill up my gas tank, thanks guys. Disclaimer: This Article Contains References to Oil Consumption.

Dan Jones