Love-Hate Mail
Get a real union
Last week’s “Saved by the Belle?” (March 1) article is such old news that it really needs a new slant. I was in the trenches for a number of years, and the truth is that there is only one full-time employee in each Metro school building. That individual is the principal. All of the teachers are effectively part-time employees. What the teachers need to do is follow the example of their brothers and sisters in blue: get a real union and join the Teamsters. The MNEA is fine if you want a monthly magazine to see what is happening around the country in other school systems, to cry into your beer along with the other poor souls who went into teaching to save the children and live in the South without a living wage to support your own family. Educators, this is 2007. The school year is almost ready to close for the summer, and the news for the fall term is to cut another 40 teaching positions. The president keeps saying, “No Child Left Behind.” When are teachers going to start shouting, “Stop Leaving Educators Underpaid”? The choice, as it has always been, is up to you. Educators, you must join forces and vote together to get the pay increases that you are due. Do not wait on merit raises alone because no bank in Tennessee will cash a rubber check. Union is not a bad word; underpaid for being overeducated is an insult.MARC GOLDHAMERmgoldhamer@hotmail.com (Mount Juliet)
A fallen principal writes in
Liz Garrigan’s so-called “news” story, “Saved by the Belle?” (March 1), is one of the worst pieces of journalism I’ve ever read. In actuality, it is an “opinion” article and should be so labeled. She obviously hates Erick Huth and MNEA and, unlike real journalists, her “news” story is slanted, biased, venomous and, worst of all, unbalanced. If that was what I wanted, I’d watch cable “news.”
Journalists are supposed to provide us with facts, not opinions—unless it’s clearly labeled as such—and look at all sides to an issue in order to inform the reader and help them form their own opinion. Of course, she won’t do that because it would detract from her well-crafted reputation as a foul-mouthed, holier-than-thou, full-of-herself, in-the-hip-pocket-of-the-Chamber-of-Commerce hack. Of course, that’s just my opinion and, as such, is in no way “news” worthy.ARTHUR HURSTabhurst@comcast.net (Whites Creek)
Funny man
It’s nearly impossible to be certain, but Randy Horick’s description of Florida’s Joakim Noah as “the world’s tallest Melungeon woman” (Sports, March 1) is quite likely the funniest thing I’ve ever read.BRYCE MARTIN1863 Portview Dr. (Spring Hill)
Kentucky blue, not black or white
If racism plays such a large part in fan dissatisfaction with Tubby Smith’s performance as Kentucky’s coach (Sports, March 1), then riddle me this: why was he hired? Why was he retained for 10 years? Thanks for creating racial discomfort out of a situation that has arisen without regard to ethnicity or background. You are truly a class act.JAMES SKAGGSJSkaggs@clarkward.com (Lexington, Ky.)
Arts counsel
In response to Jason M. Phelan’s letter regarding Tommy Womack (Love/Hate Mail, March 1): I’m glad you respect Tommy and all the other schlubs chasing a carrot on a stick toward their doom. I’m not sure if you understand a few things here. First, the disease called depression—this is not a disease reserved for musicians and artists. It can actually happen to rational, together folks like yourself. And don’t underestimate its power to K.O. anyone, anywhere, anytime.
You suggest that Tommy is being selfish to put his family through this? That’s just plain ignorant. Do you call working those jobs that he is overqualified for selfish? Sounds to me like he’s been doing anything he can to provide for his family.
It’s a very unpredictable life being an artist. But, as you must know, some businesses succeed and some fail. Some go to the brink of failing and make it back. Maybe you yourself could lose your job or business. Who knows what’s around the corner? Maybe a career mishap could trigger a depression in you.
Also, if you think Tommy and other “so-called musicians” do what they do for a “taste” of applause, then you really don’t have a clue what you’re talking about and need to have an operation on your soul. Tommy’s songs are some of the most honest and compelling out there. His connection to his listeners—no matter how few—is what art and music is about. It takes a special person to create what Tommy creates. It also takes courage to share with readers like yourself his tumble down in the hope of helping someone out there who might be nearing the same dark experience.GREG TROOPERtroopcontact@running-time.com (Nashville)
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