AS A RULE, I don’t get up on my soapbox and write letters to those who have ticked me off; mainly because they’re not going to get printed.Which is why, this morning, I am posting here a “letter” I sent to Time magazine a couple of days back:
“Sirs:
“On defense and politics, I am a middlin' conservative, on social issues I am a bit of a liberal. I am no prude, have been a subscriber of yours for years, but your cover on the woman nursing a small boy (he's no baby) bothered the hell out of me.
“How many child molesters you think will put your cover under his/her mattress, huh? My guess is you offended half the country and for what reason? It added nothing to your discourse on the subject, but Larry Flynt is probably upset he never thought of that cover.
“ George Smith
“Anniston, Ala. 36206”
If you subscribe to Time, you know where I’m coming from. If you are not a subscriber, let me enlighten you about the May 23 cover.
The headline poses the question: “Are You Mom Enough?”
The cover displays a slender (good looking) blonde in black with the straps of her top pulled aside for the nursing of a young boy – NOT a baby.
The boy appears to be 4-6 years old and is standing on a small chair in order to reach his mother’s breast (I sure hope it’s his mother).
To say I was bothered is an understatement. Without being preachy, there is absolutely no justification for the cover. I am no prude by any stretch of facts, but this one was over the top.
No, I will not drop my subscription any more than Time will print my letter. For the most part, I find Time to be informative and while a bit left leaning, it’s a reliable read for the most part. Its recent story on the killing of bin Laden is a good example of solid work, but this cover is pretty close to pornography, at least in my mind.
Lois had 67 years of a great love with husband Howard Murray who died 11 years ago.
Lois now lives in Oxford House, but takes care of herself. And, back on May 6, she attended homecoming at her first church, Happy Hill Baptist in Cleburne County.
Happy birthday, lady.
Katie is a member of the National Honor Society, 4-H Club, Pep Club, and holds an English Award this year. She is also on the yearbook staff, is senior class representative, and JCA’s Youth Leadership of Calhoun County representative and has a scholarship grant from Jacksonville State University.
“Katie has been an excellent student,” says Tomya Hancock, assistant principal. “She has been an asset to our journalism staff and her hard work is reflected in her success in securing a college scholarship.”
Proud parents are Denny and Becky Parker, State Farm Road, Alexandria.
Take a bow, young lady.
George Smith may be reached at 256-239-5682 or e-mail: gsmith731@gmail.com
