The “Thud” of Semantics for an Old Paperboy

The “Thud” of Semantics for an old Paperboy

To Whom It May Concern:

Please inform Andrew Hollis (“Confessions of and [sic] Old Paperboy” May 2003) that the thud he heard on his front porch wasn’t the Sunday Journal, but rather the Sunday Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Also, if he did indeed deliver the paper in the “predawn morning,” it wasn’t the Journal he delivered, it was the Sentinel. A bit of fact-checking would have made clear to him the fact that where there were formerly two daily papers, there is now one that bears the combined name of its accomplished and award-winning predecessors.

unsigned

Ed. Note: Thanks for clearing that up.

The power of propaganda

Now that one Mideast war is in limbo, what to do about another decades-old debacle. Indeed, where are all the peace lovers when it comes to the tragic, intolerable Israel-Palestine conflict? Israel is, of course, blameless while the US generously subsidizes its outrageous, obscene, unlawful, shameless oppression—to the tune of millions of dollars per day, courtesy of uninformed, ignorant, naïve US taxpayers. Talk about denial.

If ever the peaceniks need a cause, here is one ready-made disaster begging for attention. America is immoral vis-à-vis Iraq, but Israel isn’t re: the Palestines, get it? Their illegal occupation, killing and slaughter, violence and carnage are ignored, justified, defended, glibly explained away. Any discussion, marches or speeches? Any peep out of anyone, especially anti-war zealots and/or freedom lovers? Ah, yes, the power of propaganda.

James A. HendersonMilwaukee

Who’s whining here?

Dear Editor Willow,

As editor you are responsible for keeping a tight rein on what crosses your desk. Had Czarnik taken the time (Developing City, June 2003), he could have asked some real questions, rather than just running a bunch of whines from artists occupying the property (the Walker’s Point Arts Building). For instance, what is the building currently assessed at? This is public record (you have a lazy writer), and since the artists are concerned their taxes will rise under the new ownership, just how do they expect the new owner to offset the increase? By lowering the rent? What is the amount that a few of the artists pay in rent monthly? When was the last time they had a rent increase? How much? What do they currently pay for square footage and what does that breakdown to in comparison with other spaces rented by artists? Had you addressed any of these questions, it would inform your readers. And while your writer was at it, he might have asked how many of the artist/occupants actually reside in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. If they’re going to say “they make the neighborhood what it is,” shouldn’t your writer have a few facts to back that silly boast?

This “feature” reminds me of those who grouse when their property taxes rise, but when they get ready to sell, are more than happy to pocket what that new assessment brings them.

Bea TasselMilwaukee