Letters to the Editor

The importance of informing as well as challenging

While I don’t always agree editorially with the Banner, your views always make me think. Readers should always be challenged. I was glad to see the Banner return to print. It is a voice that needed to be heard.

In a year in which Boston voters are electing a mayor and city councilors, it is the responsibility of all members of the media to provide both the news and opinions concerning all the candidates on the ballot. The Banner’s page one story on Tito Jackson’s campaign (“Job creation a key piece of Jackson’s at-large bid,” Aug. 27, 2009) was very informative and provided this voter with more information to take with me to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. We are very fortunate to have so many good candidates running this year.

I also enjoyed reading Alexander Lynn’s letter to the editor in the Aug. 27, 2009, issue on Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of the national anthem (“Hendrix’s ‘Banner’ as sonic protest”), which caused quite a national stir over 40 years ago. Everyone took a side on Hendrix. There was no middle ground. Personally, I always thought Hendrix was great. I saw him perform up in Montreal when he was alive, which is obviously better than seeing him when he’s dead. He passed away not long after I saw him up on St. Catherine’s Street at a small club. There was no one better on guitar then or now.

Though I enjoy watching the Fox News Network, I rarely watch Glenn Beck (“Attack on Obama riles Beck’s advertisers,” Aug. 27, 2009). He comes across like a stand-up shock commentator. He even laughs at his own jokes. However, everyone is entitled to his own opinions, and Beck does have a large viewing audience and many fans. His is just another voice out there giving us his opinions on the news. I can take it or leave it. There is plenty of room in America for both liberal and conservative thought. I’m usually somewhere in the middle. However, I did read the Beck piece and found it informative.

Hopefully, over the last month before the city’s preliminary election, the Banner will print more news and opinions on all the candidates running for office. After all, the job of a newspaper is to provide news, which is something the Banner has been doing since my younger days growing up in Roxbury. Keep on doing it.

Sal Giarratani
Roslindale

A note of thanks

Dear Employees and Boston residents,

I would like to express my appreciation for all the support you provided during the last week to the family of U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and those visiting our city. I was proud of how Bostonians came together to warmly welcome Senator Kennedy’s family and friends and how employees dedicated themselves to assist with the logistics of the motorcade.

The family of Senator Kennedy called to offer their heartfelt thanks for the many efforts of the entire city and I wanted to make sure you knew that your hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Many of you went out of your way to change your personal schedules, to exercise patience with traffic detours, and to express your condolences. It was touching to see how the city Senator Kennedy loved so well honored him.

The last week challenged city resources, and employees handled the deadlines and crowds with professionalism. The people of Boston went the extra mile when the international spotlight was on Boston.

I am grateful for your efforts and appreciate your continued partnership and assistance.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino