"O Scum All Ye Faithful," Josiah Hesse, December 23
Scum Disagree
The cover of our December 23, 2020 issue.
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Scum of the Earth has become punk in name only, although the smell might deceive you, depending on where you stand; it could be a lot more "scummy." I am a Christian, although I rarely refer to myself as such because of the negative connotations that it brings up due to the fundamentalists who seem to be the blowhard poster boys of this religion. I am also a feminist and a punk, thanks in part to the very conservative faith and household that I was raised in. I have been to Scum, and there are good people there who work hard to help others, but their underlying values give me enough anger fodder to fuel a thrash band. Although women are highly involved and preach at Scum, technically they must first get permission to do so from their husband or, if they're single, their pastor — gag. Scum's treatment of queer kids and the blindness to see the hypocrisy in such beliefs breaks my heart. It is a choice to get a euro-crust haircut, wear a butt-flap, decry cars, get a bad stick and poke tattoo and be a "crustian." Being gay is not a choice. Sares even agrees with this point, yet still directs those who are to the soul-crushing life of not being able to give or receive true love.
The radical message of Jesus was love. If Joseph took his right under Leviticus Law, he could have had Mary stoned to death as an honor killing when she showed up knocked-up, but he chose love over law. I hope that this article is a wake-up call and that Scum members re-evaluate their stances on women and gays in the church, choose love, and become an open and affirming congregation, as other churches have done.
Mia Magdelene
Denver
Editor's note: For many more comments on "O Scum All Ye Faithful," go to westword.com.
"Guitar Hero," Letters, December 9
Sounding Off
In many ways, I sympathize with Eric Lane's thoughts on Westword's music leanings. I knew in my first week at the Lamont School of Music that I was unlike others in the same pursuit. They were future high school teachers and professors. Some went on to perform in municipal symphonies; others made their way by teaching private lessons and gigging on the weekend. Really, we are all different in our personal musical goals, and the fact that Eric largely plays other people's music for a living or that Westword prefers to promote original music is not the point. In any art form, the "idea" is the art, while execution is where the rubber hits the road.
Often this fact is lost on the Westword staff, as they frequently promote the artistic "ideas" of musicians who, frankly, can't play a lick.
John England
Denver
"Star Struck," Laura Shunk, December 16
Wine and Dine
Loved Laura Shunk's review of Barolo Grill.
Her comment about the faux pas by the waiter when it came to tasting the wine stuck a chord with me. I get so offended when I'm not offered the chance to taste. I have left no tip for that faux pas; of course, I let the server know why. Society has gone backwards; some just don't get that we don't live in the 1950s era of the "little woman."
Thanks to Laura, I don't feel I'm alone on this issue of mine! Looking forward to her next review of wherever.
Marcia Driscoll
Highlands Ranch
"Warming Trends," Laura Shunk, December 2
So Pho, So Good
I've been to the Pho Duy on Federal, and I still maintain that Pho Duy II on Peoria at 33rd beats this franchise any day of the week. But either way, I'm glad that Laura has joined the Pho Duy underground addicts' club.
Mike Ross
Denver
