Letters: Feb. 13, 2006

Skiing's Wild Child

TIME's story on controversial American skier Bode Miller drew divided reactions from our readers. Many wrote to applaud Miller for his exciting, iconoclastic approach to his sport and his willingness to speak his mind. Other readers registered their disapproval of Miller as a party boy and poor role model

It was good to read an objective article about Olympic skier Bode Miller [Jan. 23]. The cover photo was good too. Miller isn't a bad guy just because he loves the sport of skiing more than simply beating his competitors. He's capable of independent thinking, and he consistently strives to do his best. It is unfortunate that Miller's self-confidence seems to intimidate the conformist coaches who have trouble coping with him. They should be grateful that they have an athlete who excels.

NATALIE D. DUNLAP

Lewiston, Maine

You said Miller believed "It's playing the game that counts." Maybe so, but one glance at Miller's ski clothing shows nearly a dozen logos from the corporate giants that sponsor him. That hardly makes him a "Rebel on the Edge," as your story's headline proclaimed. He looks more like a billboard on skis.

ALICE KELLY

Boston

Miller is little more than a pretty good downhill skier who qualified for the U.S. Olympic team. He lives a self-centered, self-indulgent, party-boy kind of life and is hardly a role model for our kids who want to break into competitive skiing or anything else.

JOHN LEACH

Naples, Fla.

Your story referred to competitive skiing as a "world where winners get endorsements and losers work for the ski patrol." That view demeans a rescue cadre established to serve the public in ways that no other organization could. Members of the ski patrol are skilled and passionate about what they do.

TOM MCCOY

Heidelberg, Germany

What is all the fuss about?  Skiers have always competed hard and partied hard. That's what makes them skiers.

DAVE YATES

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Anyone who says this young, aggressive, intuitive man isn't the embodiment of pure American spirit needs to watch the Olympic skiing events and learn about sport from Miller, who, for better or worse, will certainly dominate the races. He parties a lot and doesn't care what people think. But he isn't only about partying. He wins a lot. Part thinker, part natural athlete, Miller becomes the sport of skiing and doesn't deny his life. We should all be so determined to find our own ground.

JAN LUPNACCA

North East, Md.

Republican Reform

"Can this Elephant Be Cleaned Up?" reported on the influence-peddling scandal in Washington involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff and members of Congress [Jan. 23]. It's a sad point in U.S. history when a lobbyist's extensive ties become equivalent to political clout. Even with the exposure of the Abramoff scandal, Republicans "debate how they can project change while keeping things much the same." What an insult! Instead of endeavoring to serve the people, these "public servants" want to use lip service and cosmetic changes to pull the wool back over our eyes. There can be no excuses for their flagrant disrespect and misuse of public office.

JEREMIAH DUKE

Selinsgrove, Pa.

Telling Stories