Ho, Snap!
Who are you to critique Yamil?: I believe there are plenty of excellent comedic talents in South Florida, and Yamil Piedra is one of the very best among them ("Serious Comedy," by Janine Zeitlin, July 26). One thing Miami does lack, however, is credible and talented opinion writers to cover arts, culture, and subjects like the one covered in this article.
DM
Via Web commentary
Just Another Crisis
Only in Miami-Dade, Part One: Regarding "Miami: Screwed Again" (by Tamara Lush, July 26): It is not only disappointing to the residents of Miami, but also unacceptable, with thousands losing their jobs from government and no property tax relief. I cannot say I am shocked, because the City of Miami has the worst reputation around. It's too bad the real estate market is so horrible right now, because I would sell my place and move in a heartbeat. Instead I'm locked in. Just another embarrassing City of Miami crisis.
Angry Miami taxpayer
Via Web commentary
It's Bananas
Only in Miami-Dade, Part Two: If the State Attorney's Office ignores reporters, as seems to be the case with Frank Alvarado ("My Doppelganger, the Debt Monger," July 19), it's no wonder they do nothing about anything. What the hell is the State Attorney in office for? Her staff does nothing — unless you count collecting money from every lowlife in the county for her re-election campaigns. Think about it: A reporter is the victim of a crime and the State Attorney does nothing. Only in the banana republic of Miami-Dade!
Count LF Chudzikiewicz
Via Web commentary
Grady's Great
And he's still a slugger: "Grady and the Champ," by Isaiah Thompson (July 19), was a great story. I vaguely remember Grady Ponder. Muhammad Ali did things like that, I hear. Too bad Grady had such a bad manager and couldn't get fights in Florida and other areas in the United States. Good to see his wife stuck by him. Really good human-interest story here.
Ken Hissner
Via Web commentary
Eye Opener
Maybe those braying jackasses were right: I have always disliked Slayer (Reigning in the Blood," by Jason Handelsman July 19) and thought those who adore the band are braying jackasses. But you've changed me, Mr. Handelsman, opened my eyes up a bit. Unlocked my heart to all of these longhair freaks. And for that I thank you, good sir, I thank you.
Robby
Via Web commentary
Learn Your History
Santería is greeted with ignorance: Regarding Tamara Lush's article "Death in the City Beautiful" (July 12): I find the behavior of the city officials, complaining residents, and police disgusting. Do they need a civics or history lesson? This nation was founded by a group of people who were seeking to escape religious intolerance.
I am a member of the Lucumí religion (commonly known as Santería). It saddens me that people are so quick to pass judgment.
I don't live in Florida anymore, and I am not acquainted with my fellow believers who went through this ordeal. I can say only this: The way we practice the religion here in my neck of the woods is humane. Those animals are treated with great respect because they are the cornerstone and birthplace of our orishas. Without their spiritual energy, our orishas can't be born. This is not a slaughterhouse where animals are electroshocked and eviscerated with machines. In our ceremonies, the animals are prayed over, prayed for, and loved every step of the way.
Elizabeth omo Oshun
Via the Internet
A Real Hero
For a change: Congratulations to the fencing hero. "Pirate of the Caribbean" (by Joanne Green, July 5) is quite an example of an individual overcoming major handicaps.
This must make many people realize that in all too many cases, God gave money to those whom He could not give anything else. We witness this daily in America, ad nauseam, as the media constantly glorify these individuals as if they are people we should emulate.
Then along comes a teenager in a wheelchair who competes in fencing. The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory. I hope he makes the Paralympics squad.
If success is going to be measured not so much by the position that someone has attained in life, but rather by the obstacles he has overcome while trying to succeed, then Jason Draper is already a winner.
Ronald C. Rickey
Miami Beach
Kind Kudos
Every little bit helps: Thank you for the honor extended to me as Best Citizen in your May 31 "Best of Miami" issue. Of course it's further aid in helping the homeless. The way you told the story was poignant, because I am so undeserving of their love. How can an ordinary person (even the Best Citizen) respond, except to pray that my heart and my mind could be different ... and their lives could be fulfilled with love. Perhaps the essence of good citizenship is simply to let God be God and hope and work for the best.
William Swink
