Editor: In response to the letter by Eugene Hanten, published in Tuesday’s Record, I would agree that the overall musical aesthetic encompassed by the work of Irving Berlin and Franz Schubert surpasses that of the Beatles. However, the reference made of the greatest songwriter ever may have been to lyrics rather than pure musical talent. John Lennon did not only strongly desire peace he acted with the use of lyrics and song to spread that message.
The football segue used is a weak attempt to mention Pat Tillman, and in my opinion does Tillman’s name and heroic sacrifice a huge injustice by using it to attack someone who cannot defend himself.
Mr. Hanten’s reference to decline of the state of civilization suggests to me that he finds it difficult to imagine a society that abolished Apartheid, and sought to become a peaceful one without hatred, racism and poverty – or war, death and destruction.
Daniel Wells, Tracy