Christian embarrassed by Falwell's speech
I was disgusted when I picked up the Sunday paper and read an article detailing Jerry Falwell's opinion of why our country was subjected to this horrific tragedy. I can't comprehend how he can possibly think God is punishing us simply because he doesn't accept certain groups in our country. He points his finger in the faces of feminists, homosexuals, pagans, the ACLU and the People for the American Way and says, 'You helped this happen.' This had nothing to do with any of these groups. It was orchestrated by a group of terrorists attacking America for something we've done they don't agree with. We did not get 'probably what we deserve.' God gives people free will to make correct choices, and obviously someone didn't in this case. I don't understand how this man can call himself a Christian. God does not hate feminists, homosexuals, pagans and minorities. God loves everyone equally and doesn't judge people based on the characteristics Falwell listed in his speech.
As a Christian, I was embarrassed when I read his comments. I was brought up to treat all people equally and not judge anyone based on their beliefs or lifestyles. Individuals like Falwell probably cause many people to believe that Christians are a group of weirdos running around condemning everyone who doesn't live an absolutely perfect lifestyle. This couldn't be further from the truth. Christians believe in forgiveness and acceptance because everyone makes mistakes. Except Jerry Falwell, I guess.
Youngblood undeserving of inaccurate review
I am writing in disgust, having just read the Sept. 10 review of the Youngblood show at the Barrymore this past Saturday ('Youngblood's act outshined,' Sept. 10, 2001).
'Youngblood has received kudos from press and fans ... but as Chuck D. reminds us, 'Don't Believe The Hype''? The 'hype' that surrounds Youngblood is well-deserved and merits attention and support from hip-hop artists such as Talib Kweli, Mission:, the Micranots and Mike Ladd, as well as Elemental Magazine, Ozone Records and Madison's own Isthmus. They all believe in Youngblood, as do fans across the country and the world.
'Vague threats from trombone-wielding musicians exposed the band's inflated ego.' There is a distinct difference between egotism, arrogance and confidence. Youngblood boasts such lyrics as 'You don't even want to fuck with Youngblood''not because of inflated egos or arrogant attitudes, but rather from a deep-seeded confidence in doing what they love to do everyday. They are not only good at what they do, they bring new meaning to hip-hop with their musical originality and skill.
Failing to correctly identify the trombone player in one picture, this review also belittles Youngblood with the caption 'Oh, me so horny' under one of the featured photographs. And the trombone player is not Ben McIntosh, but Joe Goltz.
Take the time to really listen and you will understand why so many fans love the Youngblood Brass Band'for its originality, creativity, energy and unbelievable talent.
