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Letters: Haitian Spell
Bob Shacochis’s “” (November) was the best thing I’ve read about the battered Caribbean nation. Having studied its music, dance, and a bit of voodoo, as well as sponsoring a child in Jacmel, I consider myself a Haitiophile, though I’ve never been there. Shacochis’s enthusiasm
for the beauty of the land, the sweet nature of the people, and the awful realities of their lives inspire me to visit Haiti no matter how chaotic it may be.
Sam Holmstock
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Thanks for the meaningful story about this widely criticized but little-known place. Shacochis’s extensive experience in Haiti has provided him with a compassion for its people that shines through in his words.
Bill Jacox
Burien, Washington
Slogging Toward Martyrdom
There is more to Sri Chinmoy than meets Devon Jackson’s cynical eye in “Bless You, Sir, May I Jog Another?” (October). As the former race director of Chinmoy’s marathon team, perhaps I can offer some balance to the subject. While much in the article is
true, it is quite obvious that Jackson came to his subject with an ax to grind. To describe Chinmoy’s races as “slog-a-thons” is not only inaccurate, but an insult to the world-class athletes who run their hearts out at these events. Also, Jackson’s reference to Ashrita Furman as the “clown prince of Chinmoy’s odd kingdom” is low. He’s not only one of the fittest people in
America, but also an extremely decent human being. I ask you to consider whether Chinmoy’s “odd kingdom” is any odder than the daily world of pain, poverty, and corporate greed in which we all live. As for Chinmoy himself, I disagree with aspects of his teaching, but he’s a compassionate person who doesn’t deserve such a mean-spirited article.
Tarak Kauff
Woodstock, New York
Gidget Gets Fan Mail
Thanks for the great portrait of Lisa Andersen (“,” November), a talented and determined woman who has the ability to ride powerful surges of water with subtle grace. Andersen is strong enough to survive both the sexism and
territoriality so prevalent in the sport. She’s a role model for male and female surfers alike.
Sherri Cassuto
Seattle, Washington
I was very inspired by your article on Lisa Andersen. As a 13-year-old surfer, I used to always worry about having the baggiest shorts and the hippest sunglasses, but Andersen has shown me how to go against the current and let all distractions fall to the wayside. She’s focused on her family and home rather than complaining, as most surfers do, about money and publicity.
Andersen helps me to try my hardest and just surf.
David Brown
Arden, North Carolina
Dressing-Down
I read 国产吃瓜黑料 for its clear, crisp, and insightful writing, not for the bikini-clad woman who graced your October cover. If you continue to opt for eye-catching babes rather than beautiful scenery, it will be awfully sad.
Irv West
Athol, New York
Lead Me Not Into Publicity
I would like a chance to undo Weston Kosova’s characterization of me in “” (Dispatches, October). The real me isn’t as exciting and newsworthy as the flock-leading, anti-tech messiah you made me out to be. I’m a
42-year-old husband, dad, and friend to my friends, who prefers simple, traditional bike stuff, which is why I started Rivendell. My world is dinky, my customers are special to me, and most of them are smarter than I am. They sure don’t need me to be their “leader,” as your story implies.
Grant Petersen
Rivendell Bicycle Works
Walnut Creek, California
We welcome your comments. Address correspondence to the Letters Editor, 国产吃瓜黑料, 400 Market St., Santa Fe, NM 87501, or send E-mail (letters@outsidemag.com). Please include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
Copyright 1997, 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine
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