LETTERS

I read your article ("Freedom," January 4) and I also read some of the letters responding to it. I'd like to add my two cents to the discussion. People trade in their freedom for protection all the time. That's nothing new. Not here. Not anywhere. People gladly give up their right to go around shooting other people so they in return will feel protected. Just like people give up the right to smoke in bars so they don't have to inhale dangerous smoke.

I'm not saying that's right. I'm not saying that's what the forefathers intended. I'm not saying that at all. All I'm saying is that's how it is. So maybe that condition you write about is neither right or wrong, or good or bad. Maybe it's just not realistic.

What I mean is, just like you say freedom is the natural condition for people, I say compensating freedom for security is also natural for people to do. Just as is holding onto religious morals (not smoking drugs like marijuana, not permitting gay marriage).

That's my take, anyway. I hope it adds something. By the way, I think you guys are doing a great job, we read the Weekly every Saturday, and I would like to see more articles that make people think and talk.

Regarding "A Little Complaint About the Arts District" (December 14): There is a real underground war brewing in this forum, and I have found myself in the middle of it at the moment. I am a stay-at-home father of four who has little need for sleep and has little to do later in the eve. I spent the last 15 years in sales and moved recently to Las Vegas with my wife from Michigan—Detroit area to be exact ... I am white ... and I have lived in both the upper conservative $$$ lifestyle with dinner parties and pill-popping mothers and kids ... yet grew up in the worst parts of Detroit, where Catholic school was the safest environment for a white boy. We had rats as big as cats, and crack on the corner helped me move away from this cultural nightmare, art was my outlet, art gave me reasons to view my environment in a different way. I believe this is what these kids need ... Andre Agassi had found that tennis helped him ... and he gave back ... I believe Iceberg has done the same ... this is why it is so close to my heart ...

Editor's note:
Thank you to this diligent greasy-spoon eater, who noted—with enthusiasm!—that we goofed in our January 18 list of top greasy spoon restaurants:

Dear Editor,

... After reading this article I was shocked, disappointed and dumbfounded. All in less than a New York second.

First, I firmly believe I must update you on what was in the article ... Michael T. Toole critiqued what was one of my favorite hangouts, Mugshots.

The problem is, the Mugshots referred to in the article hasn't existed in four years!

[
Editor's note:
Turns out, the Mugshots Toole had in mind was the one at 1120 N. Boulder Highway—but he absentmindedly referred to old notes for the address. Near as he can figure, after talking to employees and patrons, the Mugshots on Sandhill and D.I. actually closed for good about two years ago. He regrets the error and recommends the Idaho nachos.]

... My disappointment after reading the article really struck a chord with me. How many other gross inaccuracies have been printed in the Las Vegas Weekly? Is the Las Vegas Weekly strictly satire? Do I now categorize the Las Vegas Weekly in the same group as X-Men?

[
Editor's Note:
From Wikipedia: "The X-Men are fictitious mutants who, as a result of a sudden leap in evolution, are born with latent superhuman abilities."]

... Moreover, as I finish writing this letter, I imagine an editor reading this and chuckling aloud, "What an idiot the guy who wrote this is." My only question to you is, is it that difficult to find good writers in Las Vegas?