Walking Part of the Game
To the Editor:
The result of Casey Martin’s lawsuit was no triumph; rather, it was a reminder that anyone who doesn’t get his way can sue [Viewpoint, February 19th issue]. I feel bad for Martin. Through no fault of his own he is not the physical equal of most of us. His story is another example of how life is not fair; however, forcing the PGA to allow him to compete makes no more sense than forcing the NFL to allow him to participate in the Super Bowl.
The simple fact is that he would not make the team. Since golf is an individual sport, there is no team to make, but there are still physical requirements – including the ability to walk 18 holes. Plenty of golfers on the pro tour have disabilities of one type or another – old injuries, bad backs or knees, you name it. They don’t get to ride in a cart. Why? Because walking is part of the competition. If by the time she reaches the last hole a golfer is so tired, or in so much pain that she cannot perform as well as she would like, that is part of the game!
Along comes Martin in his golf cart, and the competition becomes unbalanced. All he has to worry about is his swing, which is quite good, while all the other golfers are tired, sore, etc. There are reasons for the PGA’s rules. Martin should be required to follow those rules just like everyone else. If he can’t walk the course, then he should not play in the tournament.
Greg O’Keefe
e-mail Memphis
A Different Story
To the Editor:
Lauren Mutter’s story “Waiting on the News” [Media, February 19th issue] tried to explain how different media outlets respond to requests to help raise money for transplant patients.
Missing were a few basics. What do transplants cost? How has insurance coverage changed? What government or private assistance is available when personal resources run out? There was no mention of such organizations as the Organ Transplant Fund in Memphis, which not only gives money but helps instill order among understandably anxious appeals for help.
Is it right for cash to flow based on the photogenic quality of a patient or the public-relations skills of a relative? Surely there are better ways to raise money for the sick and needy than coaxing newspapers and television stations to exploit the plight of the ill for the benefit of one individual at a time.
Ms. Mutter’s story also left an impression that a lengthy story published in the February 15th Commercial Appeal in some way broke from our usual practice of giving transplant fund-raising notices bulletin-board display. In fact, there was not a word in that story about anyone asking for money. It was a sensitive and informative narrative about what life is like waiting for a heart transplant.
The wait for a heart – an average 315.84 days in Memphis – and the wait for other organ and tissue donations is another issue and a different story.
Henry A. Stokes
Managing Editor
The Commercial Appeal
(Editor’s Note: “Waiting on the News” was a media column and as such did not concern itself with the broader issues involved in organ transplants. Interestingly, Michael Kelly’s search for a bone-marrow donor was featured on the 6 p.m. news last Friday on Channel 24.)
Thankful Folks
To the Editor:
Just a note to say thanks to the folks of Memphis for showing a great time to all of us who attended the Folk Alliance convention this past weekend. As a performer in the FolKrawl, I was very happy to arrive in Memphis at the end of a 20-hour drive and find a city inhabited by smiling, helpful people who were really dedicated to showing all of us in the Folk Alliance a great time.
From the folks at Rod and Hank’s to the staff of Sun Studio and on to the Rendezvous and all of the businesses on Beale Street (a special thanks to the folks at Tater Red’s and Blues City), everyone that I met over my four days in Memphis made me feel at home – and, from what I heard at the convention, the same was true for all of us.
So to the city of Memphis: Thanks! Can’t wait to get back!
Eric Garrison
e-mail
Wrong Board
To the Editor:
In the February 19th “Politics” column, you mentioned Ms. Cherrie Holden was a member of the “Board of the Judiciary,” a panel of jurists and citizens charged with reviewing judicial performance in the state. Actually, she is a member of the “Court of the Judiciary,” which handles all complaints made against judges. There is a judicial evaluation committee which evaluates judicial performance, but she has nothing to do with that committee. The Court of the Judiciary investigates misconduct and conducts trials of judges if necessary, and can recommend removal of judges from office (e.g., David Lanier). It is the judicial equivalent of the Board of Professional Responsibility, which can recommend suspension or disbarment of attorneys.
Judge Chris Craft
Criminal Court Div. VIII Memphis
Correction: The opening reception for 95-year-old painter Erneice Brode will be held Friday, February 27th at the Memphis College of Art. An incorrect date was given in last week’s issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
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