The origins of low pants

This is an answer for Mr. Silver regarding low-riding pants. If the kids today knew where this originally started maybe they would think twice before they chose this fashion statement.

It started in prisons due to the fact that they are not supplied with belts, to prevent hangings and beatings. It has also been suggested that it means that they are available for other activity that cannot be mentioned in a family newspaper.

In the ’80s rappers started dressing this way in their videos. Many cities are making it illegal and police are required to issue citations up to $500 for the first offense. I myself believe that is disgusting, but this is America and how far do we go to control people? I hope this answers the question.

Carolyn Birman, Lebanon

Animal abuse is not speech

I would like to commend Steve Lundeberg for his editorial regarding the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to strike down on free-speech grounds the conviction of a Virginia man selling animal cruelty tapes. From what I understand in reading about this judgment, the judges felt that while it is worthwhile to treat animals humanely, the animals themselves will not continue to suffer emotionally or physically by humans observing their anguish on tape or DVD.

However, why should these animals be made to suffer at all for human entertainment? And doesn’t this kind of “entertainment” encourage a callous attitude toward animals and suffering in general, therefore making the distribution of these tapes and DVDs a menace to society? I mean, would you want to live next door to a family who enjoys watching animals tortured?

To encourage the judges to reconsider their opinion, please call the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals at (215) 597-2995 and politely ask the court to uphold 18 U.S.C. Sec. 48, a ban on the making and sale of photos and videos depicting animal cruelty. Please reference the case name and number: USA v. Stevens, No. 05-2497.

Leonora Rianda, Albany

The paper’s too slippery

I would like to comment on Bill Porter’s letter “What about McCain, Smith?” (Mailbag, July 16).

As usual, I agree with most of what he says. What caught my eye was the first line in the first paragraph. It was “The editor of this rag of a paper”... and so on. The emphasis on those words “rag” and “paper” describe exactly how I feel.

Everything about it — it’s height, width and the numerous single pages — make this product about as manageable as a slipping fish. I spend as much time collecting and maintaining control of those single pages as I do reading them. Combine all of them with its texture, which is more like toilet tissue, and you have your hands full.

It’s easy to say if I’m unhappy with the product, don’t buy it. Not so!

Over some 85 years I have made a few friends and accumulated some knowledge of the past, present and future, I hope.

Not being able to get around, as in the past, I depend on it to keep me abreast of current affairs. Therefore, I would appreciate anything you can do to make my life easier. Thank you.

William C. Medlock, Sweet Home