Love/Hate Mail

Minor injustice
As appalling and sad as the beating of Yaman Sankari at the hands of her own family is, at least she has some unequivocal legal recourse ("Spare the Rod," Aug. 14). If the assault had occurred just a year ago, when Ms. Sankari was 17 years old and therefore still a minor, it very well might have been deemed acceptable physical punishment under Tennessee's lax child-abuse laws.

Given that her injuries were "minor," according to police reports, the courts would not likely have much enthusiasm for stepping on a father's parental right to strike his wayward teen daughter and even to permit others to do the same in the name of "discipline"—which, based on Mohamed Sankari's statements to police, is exactly how he views his actions.

Unfortunately, some people consider even adult offspring to be fair game for punitive beat-downs while they continue to live under their roof. Let's hope the courts do nothing to affirm that mind-set.

Tom Johnson
Nashville

Club's flub
I was quite distressed to read the characterization of Darrell Freeman as "arrogant," regarding the diversity (or rather lack thereof) at the Belle Meade Country Club ("Black Out," Aug. 27). Mr. Freeman was a student at MTSU during the time that I served as a dean at that institution, and I knew him well. Hardworking? Yes. Goal-driven? Certainly. Humble origins? A matter of record. Leadership skills? Absolutely. But arrogant? Hardly.

Darrell was as humble an individual as I have known during my 30 years of higher-education experience. I have seen many of our alumni move on to prominent positions in state and city government, business and law enforcement. I currently have a picture of Darrell and myself on my desk. I think the question is not why Belle Meade wouldn't want him, but why he would associate himself with a mob of pretentious, racist, wanna-be do-gooders? Darrell Freeman is Belle Meade's loss.

Golf handicap
I was only into the third paragraph of Matt Pulle's article "Black Out" when it became apparent to me that at least on one matter—golf—his knowledge was limited. When he said Belle Meade's course "looks only marginally more inviting than the one at McCabe," it was clear his knowledge of golf was in question.

Far too often, writers try to be what they think is clever, funny or glib, and fail. Writing and reporting is important, especially when factual and informative. In Mr. Pulle's case, with his line about the two courses, I would give him (my attempt at being glib) a double bogie.

Larry Adamson
Franklin

Pink slip
I was disappointed that you used so much space on The Pink Spiders ("Oh, What a Mangled Web We Leave," July 31). Not only are these guys assholes, but their music is unoriginal. No one wants to hear about how hard they're trying to copy the rock 'n' roll lifestyle with drugs, sex and booze. They're rude and obnoxious, and the perfect place for them to strut their stuff would be their parents' garage. (The mention of River Phoenix's death was distasteful, especially when compared to the appropriateness of The Pink Spiders debut.)

Nashville is a growing place with a booming music underground, and you're allowing us to be known for The Pink Spiders, while the rest of the world knows us for Hannah Montana. You can do better.

E. Putnam
Nashville