Somebody misplaced the PC meter again: Terms like "Uncle Tom" and "token Negro" used to describe Secretary of State Ken Blackwell are not only offensive, but reveal the ignorance of the so-called "loyal opposition" and its media allies, i.e., Scene [First Punch, September 7].
Voter fraud? Prove it! I'm sure if it could be proved, it would be all over the news media how Bush stole the election. Despite what your vitriol espouses, black people are still black people, even if they are not whiny liberal Democrats. Shame on you! Not only do you push the ridiculous notion that there was voter fraud, but you use your own brand of racism (against a black man!) to do it! Unbelievable!
Mike McCormick
Cleveland
The complete endorsement costs extra: I read your paper regularly and find it very entertaining and insightful. Then I came across "Turncoats Unite," and found it difficult to take your literary dealings serious.
It amazed me to find a complete endorsement of black stereotypes. The article made the point that Ken Blackwell was a "former black guy" because he had a different point of view than that of the majority of his race, and that his platform has changed to suit his own future.
Would you denigrate a white politician for supporting affirmative action as a disgrace to the white population? Do you write a scathing column about every politician who rethinks and updates his or her views? Putting politics aside, no publication, liberal or conservative, should place expectations on a candidate or elected official based on skin color, and you do.
Your thought-provoking articles and critiques on entertainment in Cleveland will still be read and appreciated, but maybe you should stick to music and entertainment. On the other hand, you may chastise Lajon, lead singer for Sevendust, for not being a rapper, and Eminem for not supporting whites.
Kirk Kapla
Macedonia
Teens Remember
Shedding some light: I have known the Buccis since I was real young ["Mushroom Cloud," September 7]. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your article. It was truthful, but also possessed great tact. Fred and Lauri are good people, and it was good to see Danny in a real light, rather than just the footage of him on the police car.
Thank you for taking the time to write a remarkable article. It brought to life some major issues teens are facing. The Buccis' main goal is to help others, and this article could very well do that!
Melissa Brinkhoff
Cleveland
A kid, not a madman: I knew Dan Bucci. I just wanted to comment on how well you wrote "Mushroom Cloud." When I read it, I felt like Dan was finally done with the "madman" title that the media had placed over this incident. The article finally gave the general public a chance to see that, although Dan was a troubled teenager, he was still a young adult trying to grow.
The image that you portrayed of Dan "being very polite" and "adventurous in life" showed readers that Dan was a good person. The tragic end to his life is now no longer taboo, but real, in the sense that it can happen to anyone, no matter how good we might think someone has it.
Thank you for doing justice to the memory of Dan. It helps with healing our hearts.
Vanessa Acosta
South Euclid
Not just a picture: I recall the images of Dan running into the police cruiser. You brought some perspective to it. A very well-done story.
Michael Bradley
Akron
Dear Derf
Keep that skewer at the ready: Derf: I just wanted to say that you are one of my cartoonist heroes (you and Tom Tomorrow and Jeff Mallet and a few others). I mostly read Scene for the comics (and the music stuff), and I've got several of your strips cut out and saved. It makes me happy to know that there are people like you out there, skewering all the corrupt, lazy, screwed-up, nepotistic people of this world (and anyone else who's worth skewering).
Stephanie Greenlaw
Chagrin Falls
Props
Better late than never: I just want to thank you for finally giving such a badass band props [Regional Beat, September 7]. I have been saying for years that the Quickening is an overlooked group. I have the four-song EP and have not removed it from my car CD player for about a month now. I love it, and I think it is great that you had some positive feedback and gave them some good press. I think they are amazingly talented and need more exposure. Keep up the kind words.
Jack Faup
Wickliffe
Vote of Confidence
Judge for yourself: You are 100 percent correct with your "judging" of Robert Triozzi ["Judging Triozzi," September 14]. Having known him personally, through a personal case he handled, and professionally, I can definitely attest to his professionalism and honesty. He will make a fine mayor.
Pat Duchon
Cleveland
