Games People Play

Burnt Ends: “The Idiot Son: A Board Game,” February 7

What was made clear by your piece “The Idiot Son: A Board Game” is that you don’t know John Sebelius. I was really surprised that your paper resorted to such name-calling just because he is the governor’s son. John is actually a very bright young man and a creative artist. I certainly hope you don’t stoop to such mean-spiritedness toward other artists just because they may push the envelope from time to time. Your mock board game, based in pure fantasy, was really off the charts of bad taste. Next time you are looking for someone to call an idiot, look no further than in the closest mirror. I certainly hope that, in the final analysis, John gets the last laugh with increased sales of his game.

Terry Moore, Tecumseh, Kansas

Our second-Annual Sex Edition,February 14

The Stuff of Fantasies

I just read Peter Rugg’s “It’s Better With Three” article in this week’s Pitch, and I must say it was very educating about a side of sex that most people aren’t willing to talk about. It was your not-so-typical sex story that might just have something there. I’ve been in a relationship for two years, and I don’t ever want to lose the man I am with. I love him. However, I have had thoughts and desires of maybe, just maybe, going on a date with a guy I found attractive and having it be OK. I’ve even thought it would make me more attracted to my boyfriend. However, I was always haunted by my guilty conscience. Our society has made everyone believe that anything but strict monogamy is not moral. It’s nice to know that people are actually researching this topic and turning what was once frowned upon into a beautiful thing. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it just might be for you. My previously uneasy conscience now rests well. Now I’ll just need to convince my boyfriend.

Jacqueline Allen, Kansas City, Kansas

I was doing a bit of online research for past news stories that have disappeared from the headlines when I came across Alan Scherstuhl’s piece on Emily Sander. I was looking for some conclusion to the story that I read last year but never heard the end of. “The Truth Behind Zoey” was more than I could ever have hoped for. It was poignant and insightful. While it dealt with what the worst in human nature is capable of, it was beautifully written and moving. I wish we all could have such a wonderful piece written for us after we pass. Thank you for such fine work.

Bryon Smith, Columbus, Ohio

“Go Tigers,” January 31

I just want to say that not only is Jason Harper snobby, he’s also one of the least professional writers I’ve ever read. Is anyone else tired of hearing about the “Republican Tigers” (don’t believe the scientists) or the dudes who own the Record Bar’s band (not even worth mentioning) or the Architects (they’re not that great). Seriously, pull your mouth off the indie dick and look around just a little, and you might find there is other talent besides this close-knit group of musicians in this city. You also have no room to be snobby, as your writing style resembles a 13-year-old girl raving about how she got finger-banged for the first time last night. (Reference the recent article talking about Kenn Jankowski.) I’m just tired of hearing about the same shit in the music scene in KC when I know there’s so much more going on.

Name withheld by request