DARTS AND LETTERS
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No Midway Museum A lot of people cannot be included in your statement "everyone loves Alan Uke's Aircraft Carrier Museum" ("A Crafty Battle Play" by Rick Dower, May 1997). People I know who served on the Midway, do NOT want that ship as a museum. While on duty, it had one of the worst reputations in the fleet. It was involved in the Mediterranean call girl (dancer) escapade and the infamous "turn off the lights and steal $50,000 bucks off the poker table and send it home in the ship's mail and never be caught" fiasco. People I know within the Association of Naval Aviation and friends and families of those who served on the USS Ranger have been asking why the "Distinguished Lady" of the fleet was not chosen. The Ranger had the best reputation possibly of any carrier which has ever sailed for any Navy. Having the Ranger as a museum would be a kudo; the Midway a mockery. Rolla Rich Just Prattle? RE: Brage Golding's column, June 1997. What dribble! (sic) I hope you didn’t pay him for that! William J. Paul Cover Girl Writes Thanks for the opportunity to be your April cover girl. Not only was it extremely flattering to have been asked - it was great fun hearing from so many long-time friends with whom I had lost touch. The ultimate high, though, was walking into an office in Europe and being greeted by a grinning client with a copy of the magazine. The Metro has quite a reach. Special thanks to Tim McClain, Rick Dower, Randy Hoffman and my trainer, Sean Cochran, for their patience and support during the interviews and photo session. The article was accurate and in context. Who says the media can’t get it right! Patti Roscoe New Subscriber I read your recent solicitation for support of your underpaid writers (Metropolitan's subscription ad) with mixed emotions. At first, I was pleased to learn that I am not the only "cheapo" who loiters around public places waiting to pick up a free copy of your fine publication, Metropolitan Magazine. I did not know that "The Met" was being produced under 17th century sweat-shop conditions. Upon reflection, I realized that I may be responsible, in part, for the pathetic plight of your writers. I tossed and turned in bed all night thinking of, not only your starving staff, but also of their suffering youngsters. After a sleepless night, I could not eat the next day knowing that your writers and their little ones probably had no more to eat than a bowl of gruel and a piece of stale bread. It reminded me of a Dickens' tragedy. Could you be named the "Metropolitan Monster?" I found myself in a state of deep depression. I called my doctor, who prescribed an antidepressant medication, which cost $21. To ameliorate your writers' heart-rending servitude, may I suggest that they, and you, stand on street corners with cardboard signs reading "Will Write for Food," and "Metropolitan Writers Need Your Spare Change." To relieve myself of the guilt trip on which you have placed me, I am enclosing my check for $20 for a year’s subscription. I am motivated to do so for three reasons: (1) I would like to be able to eat and sleep without visions of "Misery at the Met;" (2) If Sally Struthers were to learn of your wretched workhouse, we would have to watch her bawling on TV commercials appealing for donations to support your impoverished employees, including pictures of them wearing rags; and most importantly, (3) A $20 subscription is cheaper than a $21 prescription. Ross G. Tharp Publisher's Note: Please, please see the house ad on Page 57. |
