Letters to the Editor - Worth it December 16 2004

Thanks for the wonderful article about the absurdity going on in Cobb County (“Monkey business,” Dec. 9). I am appalled that a county in such an urban area would even consider such a thing. As a matter of fact, we recently moved to Fulton County specifically so that we would not have to put our children (ages 4 and 1) into Cobb County schools. We have to pay higher taxes, but it’s worth it.

-- H. Robertson, Roswell

br>?It’s not just a hunch
I have a theory that all girls love Volkswagen Jettas.

The above statement isn’t based on any facts. There’s no evidence supporting its validity. It can’t even be true. It’s just an idea, an opinion, not a theory at all. Nevertheless, the misuse of the word theory occurs often. I’m guilty of it myself.

But creationists seek to exploit this anomaly of today’s vernacular. They want to make the story of creation equally as valid as the theory of evolution. This is, of course, absurd.

Creation isn’t an alternative theory, on par with that of evolution. To accept this juxtaposition is to allow for the meaning of “theory” to devolve.

I therefore consider a crucial point to have been understated in Steve Fennessy’s “Monkey business” article (Dec. 9), and I seek to reiterate it. A theory is not just an idea. It’s not a hunch. And it most certainly isn’t just an opinion. A scientific theory is a framework developed over a long period of time by gathering facts and observable evidence. I think if more people realized this, they’d be less likely to accept that there can even be a “theory of creation,” and more likely to oppose putting stickers that disclaim evolution into biology textbooks.

-- Kevin DeMarco, Atlanta

?Insight
Great review of Imperial Fez this week (Grazing, “Giving thanks, Moroccan-style, Dec. 9). Two points of potential interest, though. The only thing that will happen if you eat with your left hand is that you will grievously insult any traditional members of a Hamitic culture with whom you might be dining. In many Hamitic cultures, the left hand is reserved for the body’s, ah, less dignified functions ... most importantly for communal dining, wiping oneself. Spitting on someone else’s plate might be a rough Western equivalent.

In very traditional societies, nearly any gesture made with the left hand is insulting or obscene. Feet are similarly “low,” which is why many Middle Eastern dustups begin with one person striking another with his shoe. (In a real Moroccan restaurant, make sure your feet are not pointed at anyone else, also that no one can see your soles.)

Sweet mint tea must always be poured from a height since it’s traditionally served in thin glasses, not mugs. If the tea didn’t aerate on the way down, cooling it just a little, these glasses would explode when the liquid hit them.

-- Troy Winfrey, Atlanta

br>?Ink well used
Great article on mortgage fraud in Georgia (Fishwrapper, “Bank robbery without a gun,” Dec. 2). As a lender and one of the co-founders of Georgia Real Estate Fraud Prevention & Awareness Coalition, I’m always pleased to see this issue given some ink. Your article was especially well done.

-- Dan Diaddigo, DawsonvilleTo send a LETTER TO THE EDITOR,

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