Wrong Numbers

Scenes from a mall: I am impressed by C.J. Janovy’s candor in bringing to light the real facts of Bannister Mall and Highwoods Properties’ underhanded dealings to get tax breaks (“Blight Crawlers,” February 14, and “The Pork Authority,” March 7).

The mall is a travesty and tax-increment financing is not going to help. Why wouldn’t the owner put in its own money up front if it believed in the proposed renovation? The reason is, why put good money in after bad? They have already lost on an investment that was $65 million and is now down to $7.5 million. Bass Pro walks away with a free-and-clear building worth $30 million, if you believe the hypothetical value in seven years if all works out. The fund-raiser for the school district is a joke.

Highwoods also obviously used the politicians to grease the skids to get a tax gratuity. If it was such a good deal, why don’t they also put up money rather than use the tax-free gimmick?

The bigger disappointment is the way the city council, plans and zoning and others close their eyes to the reality of these not being feasible and don’t tell the public the truth. The city finance and audit committee needs to do its duty to protect the TIF funds and live by an established policy; not simply give the money away indirectly. The KC Star reported some of the details, but will not touch the heart of the issues. Janovy does, and I am proud.

Name Withheld Upon Request

Bank Misbehavin’

Financial institutions: Just read Allie Johnson’s “Insanely Rich” (March 14). A very well-written story, I must say — she really painted a vivid picture of this man’s story as the article progressed. It’s certainly an oddball topic (critics would say a typical Pitch write-up), but she has managed to raise an intriguing question regarding the “prison vs. mental institution” debate.

Keep up the good work and consistent muckraking. I would love to see a follow-up if there is indeed a retrial.

Ben McCarthy

Kansas City, Missouri

Dishonor Guard

On guard: Regarding Kendrick Blackwood’s “Men of Dishonor” (March 14): This story was so true; you have no idea the extent that it is covered up. I speak from personal experience, and no, it is not limited to minorities. I am 52 years old, was a full-time technician at Whiteman Air Force Base for the Missouri National Guard, plus a union official for the Association of Civilian Technicians. I also have a black best friend. Between us, we could give Blackwood enough material to do follow-up stories for the next year.

Blackwood is just on the tip of the iceberg on this story.

Roger Brockman

La Monte, Missouri

Misery national guard: This story seems to be only on a local level. Why is this not on the news or getting some type of national exposure? These do not appear to be isolated events; it appears to be something that has been going on for years and will continue.

I am pretty sure that Missouri is not the only place this is happening. I hope Blackwood will do some follow-up stories. The National Guard seems to be doing a good job of covering up their tracks.

Herb Martin

Kansas City, Kansas

Peace Train

Conscientious objection sustained: Joe Miller’s article “The Peacemakers” (February 28) was so balanced and insightful and provided a perspective that has not been politically correct since September 11. It was very much needed to serve as a corrective to the drumbeat of super-patriotism and its corollary that “you have to be right politically and militarily to have rights.”

The military plays a necessary role in democratic life, but it does not require mindless obedience, at least not in a free society. Perhaps the ultimate test of a truly democratic and free society is the right to be “wrong,” according to the majority.

Harold J. Schultz

Kansas City, Missouri

Draft codgers: Very good work! I hope Joe Miller gets this piece into some kind of distribution. More people need to become aware of the contributions of these men and the thousands more like them.

Four generations of my immediate family have never seen combat. Perhaps our motives have not been as pure as those he portrayed; however, I strongly believe that we all have a place in the fabric that makes ours a free society. None of these men refused to contribute; they simply saw a different way.

Jim Skinner

Overland Park

No Worries

Pal Joey: Andrew Marcus’ review of Joey Ramone’s Don’t Worry About Me is the best review I have read of that album so far (“Worry Free,” March 7). I bought it last Saturday, and it has not been out of my CD player at work or in the car since.

The Ramones’ sound is at the heart of this album, but I really think this is the best “Rock and Roll” album since Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction. I hear Joey’s influences all over this record. The obvious Ronnie Spector inflections, but then Iggy Pop on “I Got Knocked Down,” the early Alice Cooper that wrote “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Under My Wheels” on “Don’t Worry About Me,” the Stones on “Searching for Something.”

I haven’t bought a Ramones album since End of the Century, and I am glad that Joey Ramone came out with something this strong at the end. If it weren’t for the Ramones, nobody would dare play the guitar if they weren’t as good as Jimmy Page or Eddie Van Halen, and lyrics would have continued to be nothing but pompous baloney like “Stairway to Heaven.” The Ramones saved rock and roll from being an elitist club. Heck, I might quit noodling around with my twelve-string detunings and buy a loud amp and a guitar that will stay in tune and start rocking and ranting about everyday life again.

Brad Hardisty

Hamilton, Missouri