Letters to the Editor

Mumia, Grannies, Kosher Unkind, Rodney offends

Thank you for writing a reality-based article [News, "Mumia at 25," Michael Washburn, Dec. 7, 2006]! It seems that the protagonists on both sides refuse to lower their emotional responses even a fraction, no matter how much time goes by. Yes, the Philadelphia police (and the FBI) of the '70s targeted activist groups, and used low-down and sometimes illegal methods to break them up, arrest them, etc. But it is also quite clear from the evidence that in Mumia's case, he is guilty of the crime. People who sympathize with him should be able to face reality and admit he is guilty. As for the Faulkner family, a lot of this controversy and emotion could fade a bit and heal if they were not so unrelenting in their fury at every hint of pro-Mumia sympathy, and their refusal to admit that police policy and politics led to the atmosphere that makes Mumia a sympathetic symbol.

Janet Bernstein
Northeast Philadelphia

On June 28, the Granny Peace Brigade Philadelphia walkedinto the U.S. military recruitment office because we'd had our fill of this administration's military policies. Now, as I stood side by side in court with the other Grannies [on Dec. 1], I felt totally at peace and yes, empowered [News, "The Battle Was Won ...," Zach Pontz, Dec. 7, 2006]. AsJudge Griffin pointed out,we Grannies went into the U.S. military office, a public space, to doexactly what the location is intended for — to enlist. Case dismissed!

It won't stop here.WeGrannies are going to converge on Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18. Then, we will join the United for Peace and Justice coalitionin our nation's capital totell our senators and representatives tobring the troops home now!

Marlene Santoyo
Granny Peace Brigade Philadelphia

In response to Beth Woodell's letter advocating kosher meat as a humane and healthy alternative [Feedback, "Go (Kosher) Birds," Dec. 7, 2006]: We can probably all agree that animals should be treated humanely. Today's kosher meat, however, comes from the same horrifically abusive, environmentally devastating industrial factory farms as conventional meat. Unfortunately, despite the spirit of Jewish dietary laws and their humane intention, no standards exist to ensure that kosher slaughter is any less cruel and inhumane than conventional slaughter. In some instances, it's been shown to be even worse. Instead of stunning the animal first, some animals subjected to kosher slaughter are killed by severing the neck and then hoisting the animal so that the blood drains out of the body. Not such a pleasant way to die. In the face of notorious factory farms that burden us with incredulous welfare violations, human health risks and ecological havoc (and a kosher industry that has sanctioned even the most grisly abuse of animals), it's difficult to see how supporting such an industry by eating animals is compatible with Jewish (or any) values.

Danika Nieves
Center City

I am writing to express my shock and disappointment at the offensive review posted by your critic Rodney Anonymous [Music, "Aid or Invade," Nov. 23, 2006]. I am not upset about the negative review of the album, but at the truly offensive Jewish stereotyping that takes place in the column. It is really unacceptable for these types of bigoted comments, even if they are intended as satire, to be published in a paper such as yours. I thought I was reading some neo-Nazi Internet hate site, until I saw that the City Paper had actually allowed something like this to go out under their name. I think it deserves a retraction and apology to the Jewish community, who I am sure read your paper regularly and deserve more respect.

Jacob Edgar
President, Cumbancha

In [Naked City, "The Hole Thing," Alex Richmond, Dec. 7, 2006], it was inaccurately stated that none of the models are rock stars. Three of the models are in bands. Also, gunnerworld.com was identified as a gay site when, in fact, it is a site devoted to large penises. City Paper regrets the errors.