FreelanceOn and Off With Jesus
Seven McDonald’s “You’re On With Jesus” [March 9–15] was an absolutely fabulous article! I could not stop reading. I listen to the show, and now it will be so much more for me! Seven’s writing style made it worthwhile; looking forward to reading more.
Cookie Bretz-SmithGarden Grove
Your lead article about Neil Saavedra is not “alternative.” The Bush administration calls the United States a “Christian nation,” but this statement denies first-class citizenship status to the rest of us. There is nothing “alternative” about pushing Jesus, even if this program is funny.
Harriet ElliottLos Angeles
In regard to “You’re On With Jesus”: Would such a hopelessly sophomoric and uninspired story ever have seen the light of day if Neil Saavedra didn’t look like some Derby “Daddy-O” and sound like Carlos Mencia? Besides, I thought Rush Limbaugh was already doing The Jesus Christ Show.
Jonny DonahueLos Angeles
Thank you for the interesting article profiling KFI’s Neil Saavedra. There is, however, a bit of a precedent for this kind of show: Comedy Central’s South Park, which premiered in 1997, has the recurring character of Jesus, who lives in South Park — and hosts a public access call-in talk show, Jesus and Pals.
Also, will KFI be giving equal time to the other side? The Satan Show, or The Lucifer Hour?
Steve LindlbauerBurbankBreeding Ground for Bullies
Thanks to Christine Pelisek for reporting on the Los Angeles Fire Department (“What Really Happened at Fire Station 5,” March 16–22]. At its best, the LAFD is a department containing truly honorable members who are committed to what they are paid for: saving lives and property. Unfortunately, at its worst, the LAFD contains members who are dysfunctional, mean-spirited, insecure frat boys who never grew up, play irresponsible and childish pranks, and gossip like little girls.
Yes, of course, there is racism in the ranks, though I don’t personally believe this incident was racially motivated. In any case, racism is only part of the LAFD’s problems. Sadly, the LAFD is often a fraternal organization whose members ignorantly fear and feel threatened by anyone they perceive to be different from them. This hostile climate breeds bullies, and all bullies are cowards. The LAFD has more than its share. Since the public holds firefighters in such high esteem, it is hard to imagine them in this light. Indeed, they are astonished that they could behave so poorly. How can I speak with authority? I am a member of the LAFD who has been a victim of its internal dysfunction.
Name withheld by requestLos AngelesTaxing Arguments
Bill Bradley’s attack piece on Richard Alarcón [“How Alarcón Sold Out the Schools,” March 2–9] contained an astonishing level of anger at paying bus drivers, gardeners and custodians a living wage and an astonishing lack of understanding of how the lottery pays for the schools in California. The $300 million that state school districts are “overpaying” for services goes toward employing people at a livable salary. And the lottery money is not specifically earmarked for education, no matter how much lottery officials want us to think that the lottery benefits education. It is merely another regressive tax, removing money from areas that already don’t have enough.
Gregory BogelLos AngelesReality Check, Please
Regarding Judith Lewis’ article on the imprisonment of Billy Cottrell [“A Terrible Thing to Waste,” March 2–8], it appears that the young man is not too contrite about his actions. For someone who’s supposed to be so brilliant, Mr. Cottrell should’ve figured out a better and more productive way to make his environmental statement. If Billy Cottrell’s mind is being wasted, he can only blame himself for this “terrible thing.”
What Cottrell really needs is a serious reality check. First, he has to face the fact that he screwed up bigtime. Second, he has to realize that his cause célèbre status is only serving to make his stay in prison more unbearable. And Cottrell needs to be on the cover of the L.A. Weekly like he needs a hole in his head.
Charles ReillyManhattan Beach
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