To the editor: I would first like to say that your article on Fahrenheit 9/11 was one of the best-written critical looks at this movie ("Weapons of Mass Delusion," June 23, 2004). I have been reading everything I can about the movie, in order to make my own informed decisions when I see it. Based on your articles and others, I find it disturbing that Michael Moore uses images of people's suffering to aid his political agenda.

However, I was extremely disappointed in the way you ended your article. You lowered your level of professionalism by calling Moore a "self-aggrandizing bastard." I'm 21, and this upcoming presidential election will be the first in which I can vote. I'm among those Americans who are "on the fence," and I won't be swayed simply by watching a movie, but rather by information gathered from many sources. I think it is unfortunate that the last portion of your article turns simply to bashing Moore much like he is bashing President Bush. I can only hope for a day when journalism becomes a presentation of facts and not political and personal agendas.

Joe Jamgochian
Columbus, Ohio

To the editor: I enjoyed your review of Michael Moore's new film. I found it interesting that you took Mr. Moore to task for being mean-spirited. Fahrenheit 9/11 merely reflects the treatment the U.S. public has received at the hands of President Bush and his associates. These people have inflicted immeasurable harm on our people and our military, eroded our civil rights, brushed aside attempts to make their people accountable, and destroyed respect for the U.S. throughout the world. To me, that kind of behavior needs to be exposed for what it is and in the same mean-spirited terms used by the ruling party. Hats off to Mr. Moore. He's a true patriot, unlike the people in power today who are fleecing the government for personal gain and killing off services to those who really need them. Now that is truly mean-spirited.

Lynn Moyers
Portland, OR

To the editor: With Six Flags proven to be in the floodplain, it seems to me that Arlington is now obligated to buy the amusement park and tear it down. Or I suppose you could move Six Flags over to Mitchell Street -- since there is no chance of that area flooding, as evidenced by the recent rains.

By the way, what business is it of the City of Arlington if Fred Mitchell's house or any house floods ("Beating Back the Bulldozer," June 9, 2004)? Why is the city so set on taking this man's property? Officials have said in the past it was for flood control. Did the city issue permits for those homes to be built on Johnson Creek originally? Did the city approve all the development upstream on Johnson Creek? The city should tell us its real intention for the land adjacent to Johnson Creek. The remaining residents don't believe that they will ever flood and certainly won't be looking to the city for help if they do. Quite frankly, what has been said up to now does not appear to be on the up-and-up. Is the city going to buy out all of the other homes in Arlington that flooded in the last few weeks?

C.B. Deramus
Arlington

To the editor: I want to compliment you on a very well-written article ("A New Suit For Samuels Avenue," June 23, 2004).You have told the story better than anyone else. I appreciate the level of homework that you invested in it. As to the illustration on the cover, I have no one to blame but myself. I did ask for it, didn't I?

Tom Struhs
Fort Wort

To the editor: The most exciting outcome of the Texas State Democratic Convention ("Power to the Progressives," June 23, 2004) is the realization of how united the Democrats are in 2004. In Senate Districts 10 and 12, a broad coalition of people, including Taking Back Texas, worked together to ensure that a positive and uniform message went forward to our national convention. Our coalition was not about beating out other Democrats, but about ensuring that everyone -- gays and lesbians, union members, Hispanics, Anglos, and African-Americans -- had a chance to contribute to a truly democratic process. Those who've been involved in the party process for 30 years welcomed and made way for those who were there for the first time.

That's the beautiful thing about the Democratic Party: Our table is big enough for everyone. We don't give lip service and then leave the poor, middle class, and disenfranchised to collect the scraps from "trickle-down" bait-and-switch policies. "No Child Left Behind" really means that wealthy Americans will get their children's private education subsidized but the poor and middle-class will be left behind.

Thanks to all who attended the convention. To those who couldn't attend, now is the time to get involved! As Plato said, "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Volunteer your time, efforts, and money to help get our country back on the right course.

Visit www.TakingBackTexas.org for a list of groups needing your help.

DeeJay Johannessen
Member, Taking Back Texas
Fort Worth

‡: In our June 30, 2004 issue, a c.d. review ("Franz Ferdinand") referred to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand as being a catalyst for World War II. The story, of course, should have said World War I.
‡: Also in that issue, the cover story ("McHood")should have stated that Habitat for Humanity receives a large portion of its funding from charitable donations.

Fort Worth Weekly regrets the errors.