Flak Magazine Letters
May-Aug 2001
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8-20-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: Protesting Gets Real
How old are you, anyway? I read your piece on what you seem to perceive as the impotence of today's protests. I am a 52-year-old veteran of the 60s struggles and I applaud the efforts of the many thousands who struggle currently against corporate globalization. Also as an aside, you might note that there have been many of us from my generation who have never sold out. Contrary to the corporate media stereotypes, ideologically constructed to make youngsters such as yourself come to the conclusion that resistance is futile (surrender Dorothy?), I and many others have never become yuppies. I continue to work with capitalism's casualties as an underpaid front line MSW social worker. The corporations' plan for both you and me includes environmental destruction and a race to the bottom in regard to wages and living conditions in order to maximize profit. Protest irrelevant and insignificant? No, it is essential today for our survival. I think it frightens the powerful very much given their brutal reaction to the protests in Genoa. Do you have children? I do. Would/Do you trust the corporations to safeguard the world for the family you may have,if not now, then later? Think about it. Please don't be so anxious to defend the status quo. It cares nothing for you and does not deserve your loyalty.
Yours,
Dan Bannister
Arcata, California
7-23-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: Capital of Shadows
I think the idea that the disappearance of Levy is the "consequence" of the misuse of Condit's political power is very "gothic." "Gothic" in that sort of comic-book gothic sort of way. what is this "unfathomable darkness" you are referring to? it's an intriguing idea, but it is just an idea. "...we can only wonder when the darkness of our capital city will strike again..." This is all too hocus-pocus for a news story. Couldn't you have said "..we can only wonder when the crime rate of our capital city will strike again..."? The idea that our nation's capital is a place of disturbing contrast in deeply interesting, true, but the whole idea of casting D.C. in the light of a Gorey story is not sound. Words like "mysterious" and "macabre" are without substance and totally subjective. Sure, the hedges and bushes are LIKE a Gorey illustration, but so are parts of Vermont. Lots of places are creepy, but when you are talking about disappearances and murder, first focus on practicalities, like police incompetence, a growing crime rate, unsafe college campuses. Things that are, on the outset, more mundane, but more real. Easier to work with. By casting D.C. and it's problems in a creepy, quasi-haunted light, then it takes the situation and places it in a realm where it seems less accessible to positive change. "Oh, that murder case? That's just D.C. That place is haunted.." Again, I think that the reality of D.C., the almost schizophrenic contrast, is deeply intriguing. But we can't use terms like "unfathomable darkness" and expect to get away with it. It's overly dramatic. And I have to refute your whole last paragraph. While it seems likely that Levy has gone the way of those other two unfortunate women, to say that "we must put her in the same category..." What category? Women destroyed by the unfathomable darkness? The karmic backlash of evil politicians?
I say, critically analyze the tangibles first, THEN consider what creepy forces and auras may be at work behind the scenes.
Tim Collins
7-18-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: Going to the Movies
Mr. Clay
I liked your rant on the oppression of the innocent fun-seeking masses by the avaricious movie industry. Your alternatives left something to be desired:
>Sneak in your own snacks. Go see one movie, then surreptitously slip into another theater >when that one is over.
i.e., be dishonest...
>Keep yourself to second-run theaters.
...be patient and frugal (or just plain ascetic)...
>Better yet, patronize smaller, art-house theaters that usually have cheaper tickets >and, usually, better films. Use the money you would have spent to buy a book.
...or forget the big movies and do something different altogether. My greatest disappointment is that you left out the best method of beating the nasty movie moguls with alternatives 2 & 3: the public library. I'm amazed at how oblivious flak content is and has been to real community, non-commercialism and intellectual opportunity found at this oh-so-humble of prole locales. (OK, I'm a biased librarian-in-the-making.) I guess y'all buy every book you read? You certainly don't look far for intelligent discussion, as flak's very nature suggests. You just sort of...write...and let it float out there. Well, enjoy. When you run out of cash a library card's still free.
Nichole Fromm
7-17-01
To: Julia Lipman
Re: A front-page graphic in Salon
That was a great column!
George Hesselberg
Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Wisc.
7-17-01
To: Julia Lipman
Re: A front-page graphic in Salon
julia
dictionary definition of pornography: Sexually explicit pictures, writing, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal.
the graphic you talked about was hardly pornographic...tame actually....and it certainly didn't arouse me...are we really getting that uptight...or is it just you? the latter I think.
and we're getting to the point where pictures clothed women are now considered pornography?
i've never read Flak Magazine before...there was a link to it from MediaNews...if this is all you can find to discuss, then I won't be back.
bill cooke
miami
7-13-01
To: James Norton
Re: Rewriting the Sentence
Jim:
Enjoyed your article. You told the one obvious truth that is behind the injustice in this country: Powerful people are making a lot of money with the legal status quo.
Period. Everything else you said assumed human beings care about logic and morality. Let me repeat: Powerful people are making a lot of money. They don't care who's innocent and who's guilty: They're making money. They're stacking those ten's on those twenties, those twenties on those fifties, those fifties on those hundreds, you know? They watch their money grow. Money, money, money, money, money.
Don't argue logic. Argue the evil nature of our rulers, (yes, I said "rulers.") Let people know that the reason some poor Mexican can get life in prison on the three strikes law for stealing a loaf of bread is not to protect society, but to add another "unit" in the slave labor that sends money upstairs.
As Orson Welles said from atop that famous ferris wheel in The Third Man, (paraphrased:) "From up here, people are dots. If you could become rich by snuffing out a few of those dots, wouldn't you do it?" Did you ever think that the so-called "War On Drugs" increases for this reason? To have slave labor? What answer would you get if you resorted only to history?
But that was then. We're different now. We're honest, kind, just, compassionate, and all the things that make angels angels. Aren't we? Aren't we?
Don't whitewash the facts. Don't sanitize the news. Tell the truth.
D. Culhane
7-12-01
To: James Norton
Re: Rewriting the Sentence
Dear James Norton,
I agree that prisons will not help the basic problem; we come from a long line of predators and controling the beast in us all is problem number one.
The development of Western Civilization required us to supress our predatory impulses and alcohol and drugs were used to help us make the transition. The problem of addictions now prevent us from seeing a rational plan to move forward. Dogma and ignorance seem to be overpowering reason.
It is indeed dishearting that we still are totally ignorant of the brain mechanisms involved in addictions. The cure for "morphanismo" or morphine addiction was discovered by an Italian Professor Otenello in 1946 and reported in Minerva Medica in 1948 Since it was a vitamin B-3 or niacin therapy that could painless detoxify the addict in a few days you would think that there would be an interest by clinicians,but it was not to be. I was a young clinician in 1980 that rediscovered this niacin effect on alcohol and drug addicts only to have failed to effectively inform the world of this important news.
John P. Cleary, M.D.
Dept. of Pharmacology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisc.
7-12-01
To: James Norton
Re: Rewriting the Sentence
Enjoyed your article. I have long thought that requiring a convicted person to pay restitution would be extremely helpful. Starting with young children who paint graffiti on walls on up to shoplifting and more serious crimes. No more allowing parents to pay or just sending someone to jail to spend an amount of time behind bars. (Unless they are dangerous.)
Let's hold the criminal responsible for their acts and get them conditioned to paying their victims by their own sweat. And let's publish these acts in a special section in the local newspapers — along with pictures, names of parents, etc. Seems to me that criminals get a little splash of attention when first arrested and convicted but the victims and average citizens never see any followup. I'd like to see the newspaper print a chart showing for example: John Doe, arrested 7/12/99. Trial still pending. That would get my attention for sure. Hey, I feel better now! You have a great day!
Libby
7-12-01
To: James Norton
Re: Rewriting the Sentence
Hello Jim,
I appreciated your essay, "Rewriting the Sentence" because of its facts and common sense.
But, the most important fact was not mentioned. Most of the people who are in prison are not criminals. They have not robbed or harmed anyone. They do not need to be rehabilitated because they have done no wrong. On the contrary, they are victims of government crime. They are victims of unjust laws which criminalize honest people and peaceful behavior.
Because of these facts, I am contacting individuals about the increasing levels of violence and crime that is being committed in the name of the law.
Thank you for your attention.
Rich Eramian
7-11-01
To: Stephanie Kuenn
Re: The Age of the Celebrity-As-Editor
Great piece. I'm not a reader of women's magazines, nor am I a woman for that matter, but your commentary on the state of the fashion-mag industry was great. Keep up the good work.
Mark Noble
Long Beach, CA
7-07-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: Howard Zinn on History and War
Dear Mr. Risen,
Nice piece, but in lauding Zinn you inadvertently disparaged Noam Chomsky, the single greatest academic dissident in this country's history. He has been — and is — almost tireless in his willingness to give lectures, speeches and interviews, not to mention write book after invaluable book. Just a head's up.
Rob Anderson
6-27-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: Qualms of the Quarterlife
Hi,
I hope that I make some kind of point here or maybe I do not have to make any point at all.
I like your article. When I was twentysomething in nineteen sixtysomething, I remember going through the same thing. My self talk was, "If I don't know what I want to do by the time I'm eighteen, it's too late." (too late for what) When I turned eighteen, I put it up to twenty. What am I going to do for the rest of my life? I went to college, not a clue of what to do. It seems that I had a lot of choices, even then. I just could not decide.
Now, I'm fiftysomething, and the pressure's off, not because I've found Nirvana, but because I know I don't have to do one thing for the rest of my life. Something's happened to my heart. It's opening more and more and the heart is prying my mind open. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to write this.
Write on,
Karen
6-17-01
To: Julia Lipman
Re: Jim Goad, Indie Media Darling
Dear Editor,
Thank you for introducing me to Jim Goad.
Being a woman, and therefore an intrinsically moral and compassionate creature, after reading your piece I was able to let go of my lividity and disgust long enough to see that the emotion this man should inspire in me is pity.
I have met men similar to him in philosophy, though not in deed, and they have all had one thing in common: they had been frequently rejected by women and hated themselves for the biological imperatives that make women irresistable to them. They are different from racists, because the racist does not go to bed at night to sweet dreams populated by the objects of his hatred.
At some point in Goad's life, he had to make a choice between acknowledging his own failures as a human being, and putting the blame on those who brought them to light. He chose the latter, in a classic case of "If you can't have 'em, hate 'em."
Jim Goad, at least now, you're only hurting yourself.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Robertson
Lindsay Robertson writes for Flak.
6-15-01
To: Alissa Rowinsky
Re: Venus Razor
I was so surprised about the negative review Alissa Rowinsky gave the Venus Razor. Personally, I think this product is an innovative and technological breakthrough in razors for women. I've tried everything out there and my legs have more knicks, cuts and scars from each and every one. (Before you say anything — YES, I'm a careful shaver. It's just that women's legs are difficult to shave.)
The Venus, however, is great because it shaves without cutting your legs AT ALL! In addition, it's easy to hold, my legs are smooth as a baby's butt and the packaging is attractive. Who cares if it doesn't stick to the wall — does it really matter that much??? Do you worry about your shampoo sticking to the wall or your shave gel? Probably not, it all just sits on the side of the tub where it's always been. And, those that CAN/DO suction to the wall don't stick forever either.
I love this razor and think it's well worth the price (which, by the way, is pretty comparable to other razors) and swear by it. In fact, I've made my family, and as many friends and work colleagues buy it. I have yet to hear even ONE person disagree with me.
The most important attribute — no cuts : ) FINALLY!
PS: I was raving about this razor the other day and a co-worker told me he heard it was terrible. I was astonished so he showed me this review. He's a guy so it didn't matter if I convinced him otherwise, but I still can't believe it and I still swear by it.
Andrea Graczyk
6-10-01
To: Clay Risen
Re: The Nomination Game
Dear Clay,
Thanks for the great piece on Bush appointees. I believe the long-range effect of such appointees will be the growth of bureaucratic sloth and the crushing of real competition. In other words, the propogation of monopolies which weaken the country.
Remember the wonderful cars the Big Three used to make before the Japanese invaded?
Fighting nominees who are nothing more than industry slugs and getting genuinely open-minded people into positions of responsibility is worth fighting for for democracy's sake. Keep up the good work!
Alan
6-09-01
To: Eric Wittmershaus
Re: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
You don't seriously call yourself a music critic do you? BRMC are a breath of fresh air you dick head. You obviously didn't really listen did you dear eric. Everyone is going to have their influences darlin'. BRMC have their own sound. If you can't hear that then you obviously don't get it do you. Stop relating their looks to their music. You nearly orgazimed going on about the JAMC thang! They are talanted musicians with a long future weather you like it or not. They have the look, the music and the mystery. Go and wank over your Creed and Dave Mathew's Band. You don't belong anymore.
Adios puta mierda.
Bluepondz
6-08-01
To: Eric Wittmershaus
Re: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Hi Eric,
I caught your review of the B.R.M.C. and I guess I must be a jaded music nerd too. I have had their full length demo for a while since seeing them open for Supergrass (and knew the drummer from four or five years ago), but listening to everyone praise this band just makes me scream, "HELLO! JESUS AND MARY CHAIN!" I think the album is pretty good, but it's hard to appreciate it since I could basically get the same experience listening to my old JAMC and Spacemen 3 albums.
Anyway, just glad someone else shares my sentiments.
Ted
6-5-01
To: Eric Wittmershaus
Re: Obituaries
Yep, when this Yiddish maideleh married the Mick from the other side of town, neither the church nor the shul crumbled but he taught me how to develop an interest in the Irish Sports Page — better known to the average citizen as THE OBITS.
Good old (and he was 10 years older than his sweet, innocent, niave lady) Muldoon would grab the daily Boston Globe and search for what he aptly called, The Irish Sports Page and scan the column to make sure none of his buddies moved onto greener pastures. Oh, did I hate it when somoneone disassembled my daily inorder to find out who and why they were here yesterday and gone today.
But, I too, came to appreciate perusing the obits even after he had gone to meet his maker. Till this day, I grab that paper and quickly pull out that special section, quickly scanning the list first to see if there are names that I recognize then I go back to the top and carefully read his date of birth and all the important information.
Survivors — wife, children, grandchildren, and contributions he left to this society. So much left out that I let my mind drift away, imagining his fantasy life. It's fun!
Lena Weiner-Sorgman
6-01-01
To: Sean O'Neill
Re: One Market Under God
Dear Sir,
I am a Belgian management professor and I have read "One Market Under God" with pleasure. You are highly critical and I can see your point. It could have been more academic, better researched etc. It would have been more boring to read too.
As an academic, I read boring stuff all of the time, and don't mind reading that. Do you have any suggestions for better books than "One Market Under God"? I don't know any.
Thanks!
Prof. dr Marc Buelens
University of Gent
Belgium
5-26-01
To: Eric Wittmershaus
Re: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
you wish you were in the black rebel motorcycle club so bad, you can taste it!
scott sterling
fold/silverlake lounge
5-16-01
To: Stephanie Kuenn
Re: Pearl Harbor
Salutations,
One aspect of the new Pearl Harbor movie that I thought should be pointed out in any review is the cruel slap in the face it presents to Japanese people both in the States and abroad. Within a few months of the Ehime Maru accident (have Americans forgotten already?) this "banzai America movie" was released.
The huge Pearl Harbor movie opening party that was held on a U.S. battleship was covered in the news here with the not-so-subtle subtext of, 'they have the money for this huge event, but not to raise the ship from the ocean floor, or recover the bodies of our nine countrymen.'
While of course the Hollywood money-sucking machine is independent of diplomatic responsibility, it makes America's blatant arrogance and general disregard for international feeling more obvious. (As if it isn't obvious enough these days with the Kyoto Accord refusal, missile pact betrayals, and general UN whining.)
Racism against Asian Americans and Asians in general is a very real problem in America. (Though anti-Chinese sentiment is paramount these days.) After the release of this movie, the head of the Japanese American Foundation has started receiving hate mail again.
Anyway, I just wanted to point out what people are feeling around here in Tokyo...
Thanks,
Quinlan Faris
Tokyo, Japan
5-16-01
To: James Norton
Re: In Memoriam: Douglas Adams
Jim — enjoyed your piece on Douglas Adams in Flak Mag and picked up by WorldNetDaily here in the US. His books are science fiction — he showed that SF can be fun and wacky. I haven't read them in years, but I do pull out my tape of the BBC's Hitchhiker's Guide mini-series every so often on a cold rainy Saturday and watch it all the way through in one sitting.
I do wish you had mentioned another great contribution he made to another BBC institution — Doctor Who. He authored at least 2 scripts, as I remember, during the Tom Baker era — one of them had a John Cleese cameo. The scripts were probably 2 of the best in DW's 36 year run.
Darn it — now I am going to have to pull out those 2 tapes tonight and toss them on the VCR.
Thanks again,
Jim Zerkel
5-16-01
To: James Norton
Re: In Memoriam: Douglas Adams
You didn't even need to mention his name...
Just the title "So long and thanks for all the books" brought back the dolphins line and let readers know that Douglas Adams was gone. With the last of the 9 Princes in Amber series having been penned by Roger Z. a few years ago, we're losing wonderful storytellers faster than we can replace them.
It's certainly "our loss."
Take care,
Ken Fisher
5-15-01
To: James Norton
Re: In Memoriam: Douglas Adams
Jim, I very much enjoyed your Douglas Adams obit. I just have one small bone to pick with you. It concerns your comment about the Hitchhiker books and "the genre's traditional limits with its breadth and maturity."
Science Fiction moved beyond those limits 50 years ago. The revolution of humanistic science fiction that occurred in the 60's cemented that. There are science fiction mysteries, science fiction westerns, science fiction romance stories. There are alternate histories, comedies, military fiction, and, yes, traditional fantasy and hard science fiction stories. The only limit to science fiction is the imagination of the writer, and whether or not the writer and or the publisher considers the work science fiction. Anytime a work of fiction deals with a "what if," it could be science fiction.
Hope I didn't bore you too much with my rants. Check out what passes for Science Fiction these days.
Tom Barbeau
