Fallen Star
Presumed innocent: I despise the sensationalism in your article about the death of astronomer Jack Horkheimer and the molestation case against him ("Death of a Stargazer," Michael E. Miller, January 13). It's a shame there are so many people who believe in repressed memories, a huge lie that has become borderline epidemic. Repressed memory therapy has been used against hundreds of priests by thousands of now-adults who have lined up to settle suits with the Catholic Church. They know that in this nation, anyone who is rich will settle in order to avoid accusations becoming public (because you're automatically guilty in the eyes of the public) and further draining of funds to pay for legal representation.
Jessy Brito
Calling all victims: Let's hope everyone who saw, suspected, or suffered from this man's crimes will speak up, get help, and start healing.
Anonymous
Luke-warm Support
Self-help: Although I agree with some parts of Luke's overall idea to promote a clean and safe residential area in Overtown and Liberty City, I disagree with him about placing the responsibility on government ("Luke's Gospel," Luther Campbell, January 13). Did Luke mention government providing jobs? And cleaning up the neighborhoods? The last time I heard about this kind of government intrusion in any city, the country became a socialist regime. I don't believe in handouts and having government hold your hand. The residents, those who care about creating a prosperous 'hood and financial opportunities, need to get involved.
D. Cella
Clean up: I agree with Luke on "slumlords." This is one of the biggest issues facing the black community — people owning property and not taking pride in maintaining it. The city doesn't care about doing anything, either. People dump garbage in front of their houses, abandon buildings everywhere, and if a concerned citizen complains to the city, nothing is done. The city doesn't care about keeping black neighborhoods clean. It needs to clean up some of these abandoned buildings and landscape the area. I bet that if it did this, the city would be surprised about the reduction in crime that would occur. Cleanliness is next to godliness.
B. Button
Gimme Shelter
Death watch: The shelter run by Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) is one of the worst there is ("Animal Lovers Declare War on Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Facebook Page," Gus Garcia-Roberts, January 13). As with most government-run facilities, many, many things get swept under the carpet, and the facility just spins the situation or covers it up. MDAS makes it so difficult for anyone to adopt an animal, that it is always full and needing to kill wonderful animals to make more room.
Anonymous
Second chance: MDAS routinely kills all dogs and cats only because their owners sign euthanasia request forms. Animal Services doesn't require veterinarians or veterinary technicians to examine those animals, so there is no way to know if the animals being killed are healthy, incurably ill, or in no pain at all. Although adoption rates have increased at the shelter, they could be even higher if animals with euthanasia requests who are healthy or have treatable conditions are given a chance to be rescued or adopted. Those animals should be given a fair chance at having permanent homes.
Margery
Problem pets: Not every animal in a shelter makes a suitable pet; the majority are too ill or aggressive. We know from statistics that 47 percent of all animals that are adopted are returned to the shelter for the same reason they were put there in the first place, problems that were not corrected or revealed to the adopter.
L.C.
Banton Bashing
Repent: Buju Banton has been run out of almost every town in America due to his BS lyrics about gay people ("Free the General," Esther Park, January 13). Here in Miami, he is welcomed with open arms. After spending some time in jail, does he have a little more love and compassion for his gay brothers and sisters?
Anonymous
Jah is watching: One cannot in one moment claim to be righteous and spiritual and for di poor people dem, and inna di next, tasting cocaine. (Cocaine has ruined many poor people's lives and dreams). Di truly righteous Rasta walks away from dat fuckery, wit no hesitation.
Anonymous
Staged Right
Thumbs up: I agree with you that Confessions of a Jewish Shiksa has an important message to impart ("Humor Me," Elyse Wanshel, January 13). But while you are certainly entitled to your opinion, my opinion falls on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. As a theatrical director for over 20 years, I think the well-thought-out choice of a one-woman show was brilliant. It was a poignant story told in a clear, effective, and focused way — a director's dream.
Laurel Kadouri
