Introducing Sarah Palin

• Share

(2 of 3)

Art Smarts
"He's given no evidence up to now that he knows what to do with a brush . . ." Thank you, Richard Lacayo, for the excellent profile [Sept. 15], exposing the factory "art" of Damien Hirst. As much as $720,000 for "spin paintings" that are simply manufactured in production facilities by an army of studio assistants? I think Lacayo's term "product lines on canvas" says it all. Welcome to the Wal-Mart of art. I find it strange that however closely I look at the photo of his new work The Golden Calf, I can't quite see the heap of gold-plated manure beneath the bull.
Kevin Wooldridge, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND

While I realized it would be disturbing (and so it was), I nonetheless read your article on Hirst, since I'd had the misfortune some months back of seeing in the flesh one of his grotesque works (a slaughterhouse on display to the public, really) at the base of Lever House, on the streets of Manhattan. Like Hirst, I'm amused by the affluent morons who feel compelled to throw their money at him for the monstrosities that his production lines seemingly roll out in copious quantities. Hirst himself appears to be a thoroughly tortured individual. He deserves that state, for the posthumous indignity to which he's subjected the wretched creatures who are the victims of his factory of horrors.
Jonathan Tager, RICHMOND, ENGLAND

As someone who supports legitimate artists and is a collector of original art — albeit on a modest level — I am offended how British "Bad Boy" artist, Damien Hirst, is raping and plundering the art world. He is merely another in a sad and long string of con men who found a gimmick and capitalized on it, suckering those wannabes who are more interested in bragging rights than promoting a fresh, honest talent in the art world. Dead animals preserved in formaldehyde and a diamond-encrusted skull — is this even legal? Spin paintings done by studio assistants — give me a break; kids have amused themselves for decades creating identical masterpieces at fairs and school fund raisers.
Susan H. Warren 
 SWARTHMORE, PENN., U.S.

Palin's Progress
I found myself in tears reading Nancy Gibbs' essay [Sept. 15]. Now I know that I'm not alone. I've been struggling to express my feelings to my circle of liberal friends. As a 60-year-old retiree and single parent who raised a child in the 1970s while working full-time on my career, I am haunted by my roads not taken. This article expresses why I won't be voting in this election. I can't vote for the McCain-Palin ticket in good conscience, due to their stand on issues that are dear to me, but I can't vote against either. Too many sacrifices have had to be made by women for me to take a hand in keeping the first woman from holding the second highest national office. Gibbs is right: I "don't want to see her fall."
Joanna Ramos, NICOSIA, CYPRUS

This is the first intelligent essay I have read in the mainstream media regarding Palin. I am a moderate Democrat but was very disappointed at the obvious partisan trashing of Governor Palin by so many of my fellow women. Their intemperate critiques fly in the face of the feminist principles they claim to uphold. Gibbs has the good sense to realize that the issues successful women face are the same regardless of political ideology.
Jeanne Mallett, WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.

I congratulate Gibbs for her thoughtful essay, which excellently describes the challenges that married working mothers face regularly, without being judgmental for political purposes. Everyone should admire Governor Palin's organizational and management skills to be able to achieve as she has, irrespective of politics.
Tim Kasparek, GOODYEAR, ARIZ., U.S.

Gibbs' article seems to blithely overlook what many people consider to be Palin's most alarming beliefs. Yes, she's a woman, but she's a woman who doesn't believe in science, a woman who believes that abortion should be illegal under any circumstances, and a woman who is the poster girl for the extreme right-wing religious element of the Republican party. None of these beliefs seemed to matter to Gibbs, but they matter to a majority of American voters who are looking for sound leadership and not a continuation of the culture wars.
Rodgers Frantz, WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.