Letters to the Editor Loves the Umpire To the Editor: Ron McDonald's story ("Give Me a Chance," August 24th issue) was both inspirational and educational. You pointed out the unique personality Mark Johnson shares with every one he meets. I work for AutoZone Park and I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mark at an RBI function. Your article was indicative of exactly how I felt upon my introduction. He is a very special man and an example for us all. We are very fortunate to have him on our team. Thanks for your story. Tiffany Werne Memphis To the Editor: Thanks for Ron McDonald's story on umpire Mark Johnson. It goes a long way to inspire all of us who see and hear only B.S. on a daily basis from TV, radio, and newspapers. It's good to know there are others out in the world who care to make a difference and it's nice to know Ron cared enough to listen. Jolene Smith Memphis A Musical Coliseum? To the Editor: I have read with great interest your recent articles concerning the Mid-South Coliseum and its quest to become part of the National Historic Register. I think Memphis would be well served if the Coliseum had a permanent resident. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame on Second street across from the Peabody Hotel is losing its lease. They say this museum and archive is the world's largest repository of historic Memphis music memorabilia. The museum has over 7,000 square feet of exhibits containing thousands of photos, rare recordings, audio and video presentations, and biographies of Memphis music legends. Included are many of their original instruments and personal effects. Why not put all these treasures in the Mid-South Coliseum, after refurbishing it? It could then become the American Music Hall of Fame, encompassing all forms of music. Composers and performers of all genres of music across the nation could be invited to donate their instruments and other personal artifacts. The result would be a terrific new tourist attraction for Memphis, as well as a new long-term use for the Coliseum, which is clearly less economically viable since The Pyramid opened. Jeffrey A. Bailey Memphis More Mongo To the Editor: Concerning Rebekah Gleaves' article, ("Storming The Castle," August 24th issue): Is she going to tell me since she didn't see any drunk, naked rednecks, that there is no problem? She can't be serious! Example: A month after buying our home in Cooper-Young, it became obvious that there was indeed a problem. The house next door had been abandoned, and that brought the drugs, whores, gang bangers and the homeless When I would call the police, naturally they did not get here in time to catch anybody. Finally, I got some help. The MLGW theft division caught a guy inside that had jumper cables hooked up to the incoming 440-volt feed to our home to run a fan, TV, etc. He was charged with felony theft. My "bitching," along with that of others, resulted in 6 arrests. I could go on about other things that have been cleaned up, but my point is, it's a crying shame that you have to bitch to get anything done. If I lived near the Castle, I would demand pressure be put on the owner. Here, we had the help of other law abiding neighbors, The CYCA, MPD, MLGW, Code Enforcement, and Judge Potter's Environmental Court. Take the blinders off, Ms. Gleaves, and behold the mighty squeaky wheel. Rik Anderson Memphis Misses Seessel's To the Editor: Your item about Albertson's poor showing ("Seessel's Braces for Competition," August 31st issue) in the marketplace is no surprise. The only thing left of Seessel's is their name. Almost every time I go there they have discontinued carrying something I have been going to Seessel's for for 40 years. Since I must go to another store to get what I want, why should I ever go to Seessel's anymore? I live only a mile from Seessel's but since Albertson's is trying to force their concept down our throats I must shop elsewhere. I miss Seessel's. Frankie Guinle Memphis Frat Boy Gangs? To The Editor: Gary Shelly's letter in last week's Flyer (August 24th issue) is completely unfounded and is consequently enraging. If he were to actually venture out to Beale Street on a typical Saturday night, Mr. Shelly would no doubt be shocked to discover that most of the people exhibiting "gang-like behavior" are, in fact, white. I work on Beale, and every person who has ever harassed, threatened, or pushed me as I've walked to my car after work has been a bawdy, rude, and, yes, drunk white frat boy. I'm not sure what Mr. Shelly's definition of a gang is, but I'm sure it involves an image of similarly-dressed men roaming in packs and looking for trouble. A very large faction of white Beale Street patrons fit this stereotype, and for the most part, they're the people that I've observed causing scenes and trashing the street on the weekends. It's ironic that Mr. Shelly would go so far as to chastise and even belittle the author of the original letter for "not fact-checking" when it's quite apparent that he's the one who has absolutely no idea what he's talking about. Here's a fact for you, Mr. Shelly: your words aren't merely politically incorrect; they're racially prejudiced. Robin Jacks Memphis The Memphis Flyer encourages reader response. Send mail to: Letters to the Editor, POB 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. Or call Back Talk at 575-9405. Or send us e-mail at letters@memphisflyer.com. All responses must include name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters should be no longer than 250 words.