Letters

Have Money Will Sing
I must say I wasn't at all surprised by the article about Chronic Future ("Straight Outta Scottsdale," David Holthouse, March 6). Before I continue, let me just say that I have listened to the band's CD and, after reading the piece about the group, I realize that these are four very lucky children with huge financial backing.

I am curious as to how these four "musicians" would fare had they been born and grew up with low-income parents, divorced or not. Although low-income parents usually don't or can't afford to divorce, would sheer musical talent get these 14-year-olds in Chronic Future where all this money has? Or would it be enough, as little Barry Collins says, that "art doesn't have an age limit"? That's true, Barry, but it does have a price and obviously you can afford it.

The philosophical rantings of these four prepubescents left me wondering if New Times has become a "jump on the bandwagon" type of newspaper. Come on, folks. These boys are just discovering masturbation, let alone the complex world of music!

Manny Moonz
Tempe

Tents Situation
I don't know why I bother--perhaps it's a form of masochism. Obviously, Lee Jenae is not illiterate (Letters, March 6). He (or she) read the original article and wrote a reply, so it can't be illiteracy. I'm afraid that Lee Jenae and others don't want to get it, but there are no convicted murderers, rapists, or anyone convicted of a violent crime in Tent City or any other Maricopa County jail--they are serving their sentences in State of Arizona penitentiaries. If there are any violent criminals in a minimum-security prison, I hope New Times will run an expose. People who want to believe that the inmates of Sheriff Joe's Tent City are violent criminals will continue to believe it. Facts will only confuse them.

David Eisenberg
Paradise Valley

I have a few questions and comments about New Times' Letters to the Editor from February 20.

First, Ed Schneider, do you have any hard evidence to your allegations? If you don't, don't accuse. While I agree that most Arizona newspapers are self-protective, the allegations of corruption are serious and shouldn't be made without evidence.

Second, Celeste Lopez, bravo!
Third, why is anyone still publicizing Sheriff Joe Arpaio? Are we not tired of being laughed at? Arpaio is a disgrace, and I would be enormously pleased to see the citizens wake up and do something about his hate-mongering, violence-filled regime before another unconvicted person dies.

But, of course, the corruption in our state doesn't begin with Arpaio. It really is left to our governor. Fife Symington is a crook; he doesn't belong in the Governor's Office. Where he really belongs is in jail, preferably Tent City. What I would like to know is who nailed the collective behinds of our state Legislature to their chairs so they are unable to begin some kind of impeachment process.

Come on, Arizona, wake up!
Lori K. Trevino
Phoenix

Frayed So
The article by Amy Silverman about Last Chance was very accurate ("Possessed!" February 13). I have seen lots of apparel and accessories that Goodwill or a thrift shop would not accept. The items are not in salable condition. Also, I have seen shoes that have not been refurbished, but look used. And some shoppers are unwilling to wait for the employees to set down the merchandise before fighting over it.

Great article.
Name withheld

Heavy-Metal Ease
What's up with givin' ol' Pat Boone such a hard time? The Metal Mood CD was great (Recordings, February 20)! Yeah, it's funny, and yeah, a lot of people buy this CD as a novelty, and once they honestly listen to it, they might realize that there is some great songwriting talent behind those screaming guitars and pounding heavy-metal drums.

I applaud Pat Boone for recognizing that metal is a form of music that goes beyond turning a Marshall to 11 and smashing up a guitar. I got a lot more out of these songs hearing them like this. It's almost like baring the soul of an animal: Take away the metal sound and you got a sheet of good music.

Some people take offense at loud music. I had to go to court for rehearsing my band in my garage, but that's just an example of society's reaction to things it doesn't like that have stereotypes to fall back on. It was loud, I was screaming! These small-minded people can't see past what they think is right and wrong. The lounge-lizard versions are very vogue; it's almost like a retro thing.

I surely hope every classic old crooner doesn't hop the wagon and beat the horse to death, but Metal Mood is fun. I think it upsets a lot of people because they read too much into it. It's just music, and damn good music at that . . . no matter how you play it, and the seat-belt verse . . . yeah, I laughed . . . that's the whole idea, it's entertainment. I seriously doubt that Pat Boone is trying to change the world, or make a million-dollar rock star out of himself. Like he said, he's just playing these songs his way and in turn bringing metal music to the masses that otherwise wouldn't get past the loud guitars and vulgar CD covers of the real thing.