Letters to the Editor

Clever takeoff should have been taken off:
The article "One Live Jew"(Tristram Korten, August 10) was not without interest. But the religious affiliation of Joe Weinberger was not even remotely central to the facts reported. To put on the cover page in large caps "ONE LIVE JEW" and then write an unflattering article that repeats accusations of dastardly conduct, is anti-Semitism at its worst. I am aware that "One Live Jew" was a "clever" takeoff of "2 Live Crew," but that is hardly an excuse.

I have no idea what Lori Parrish's religion is, nor do I need to know. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that she is Methodist. Would it be appropriate for your cover to herald the page 11 article with "________ Methodist" if you could think of something cute? Of course not.

How come I couldn't find a "letters to the editor" page this week? Did you have one and give it up or never have one? Why? And here is another, more serious question. Are you avowed anti-Semites, or did you just slip up on this one?

Burnett Radosh
Lighthouse Point

A hatchet in the Achilles has to hurt:
Granted, Bob Norman is a skilled writer. Further, his primary talent seems to be finding and exposing the Achilles' heel and other unflattering tendencies. That's his job -- and most of time he is on "bull's-eye" or close to it.

But the hatchet job on Lori Parrish and her phone usage was unequivocally uncalled for ("Reach Out and Put the Touch on Someone,"August 10). It was mean, harsh, almost nasty. There was not a single kind word about a Broward County commissioner who works long hours on both her phones and her computers. Not for campaigning, but for the betterment of her constituents and others who consult her for her vast knowledge, experience, and compassion -- or sometimes for a favor. How many evenings has she stayed in her office to help someone? She serves on three boards just to make Broward a better place to work or call home. Not a word in the entire article about her generosity or energy, instead, inferring she does it to campaign. Mr. Norman, it was mean and vindictive. She did not deserve the harsh portrait. She is a caring, compassionate lady who always strives to do the right thing and is kind at the same time. Maybe you could take lessons from her.

Rochelle Nierman
Hallandale Beach

Critics are born heavy:
Most are comparing What Lies Beneath to Hitchcock ("I See Dull People,"Gregory Weinkauf, July 27). Its real sources lie with William Castle, master of the shamelessly manipulative horror films. They were some of the most fun movies ever made. How nice that your reviewer wasn't around then to spoil all of our fun.

Gregory Weinkauf's incredibly snotty review seems to find it a crime to make audiences startle and laugh. Please, I'm not one of those people who think critics are snobs, but could Weinkauf lighten up a bit? Could he review a movie within the context of its intention? Could he review a movie as a piece of technical craft, not use his reviews to show off his elegant, oh-so-refined, oh-so-better-informed status?

What lies beneath Weinkauf's diatribe is a killjoy. I'll take William Castle skeletons falling out of the closet anytime. Meanwhile I can still enjoy a more serious effort within its own context.

Douglas Soesbe
Los Angeles