Cherrywine is (Almost) Fine
Cherrywine is (almost) fine.
Hey, I just wanted to let you know that there is a typo in the last line (from June Record Reviews). It should read, “Bright Black is AN excellent debut album…” Other than that, it is an excellent review.
-Thanks, Amy
Redevelopment: a tough topic.
Dear Matt & Jon Anne,
I have been meaning to write a note of appreciation for your June Developing City article on Walker’s Point re: artists, “gentrification,” etc. I thought it was a good piece, but I see you got some heat from one reader. She made some good points and posed some good questions. It’s a tough topic to do justice to all sides — the pros and cons of redevelopment, revanchist city neighborhoods, etc. Keep going for it though.
-Best, Dan Knauss
Kiteboarding is cool.
Thanks for the excellent piece on kiteboarding in the June issue. While it’s true that Milwaukee’s little stretch of Lake Michigan ain’t the best for boarding, there are many up and coming spots within a few hours drive. Thanks for taking the time to mention them, and for going straight to the horse’s mouth: Corey Roesler is the godfather of the sport, and no true kiteboarding overview would be complete without him.
-Sincerely, Mark Naumansch
A deeper understanding of Israel.
James A. Henderson’s anti-Israel diatribe in the July Vital Source should not go unanswered.
Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza is not “illegal.” These areas were taken by the Israeli armed forces in 1967, during a war of defense that was imposed on it by the Arabs under the leadership of Egyptian President Nasser. The Arabs were not fighting on behalf of
the Palestinian people, but rather to end the State of Israel, as they stated very openly.
The capture of these territories was not part of Israel’s initial war plan, which was merely to end the immediate threat to its existence. However, it was hoped that the territories would provide a buffer from future attacks until peace treaties could be signed, and would in fact be traded as part of a land-for-peace settlement. That is exactly what happened in the treaty signed with Egypt in 1978.
Except for a very radical fringe, Israelis of every stripe are willing to see the creation of an independent Palestinian state as long as Israel’s security can be guaranteed. One can question the vigor with which the current government has pursued this, but there is no question that it is Arab rejectionism — once again — which has been the main stumbling block, most recently at Camp David in 2000.
Perhaps the apparent silence of the peace movement vis a vis Israel that Mr. Henderson bemoans is because most people have a deeper understanding of the conflict than he does.
-Sincerely, Jay Beder
Way to go, Vital.
Just a quick note to congratulate the Vital team on your new newsletter, The Guardian. After seeing a story about it on the morning news (Ed. Note: WISN, Tuesday July 15, 2003), I checked out the website (Ed. Note: www.guardianmilwaukee.com) and downloaded a copy for myself. I’ve been enjoying each issue of Vital more than the last, and will be sure to pick up The Guardian now, too. Your commitment to improving life in Milwaukee is evident, and you have the support of many.
-Thanks, Pat Johnson
