It seems that the Sunday Tribune never ceases to print something to tick me off. This time, it was John Schulian’s comments on Michael Jordan (For Starters, April 19).
First, he says that Jordan “uses his clout to peddle sneakers.” Hey, superstar athletes have always done product endorsements. Second, Schulian rips Jordan for starring in “unwatchable movies with Bugs Bunny.” What was he expecting, “War and Peace”? Besides, Michael did only one movie, and hasn’t made a career out of it as Shaquille O’Neal has. And finally, Schulian claims that Jordan “has the social consciousness of a baked potato.” Never mind that Jordan has always been a charitable person and helped build a youth center that he dedicated to his late father.
So when it’s all said and done, Michael Jordan will still be one of the greatest athletes of this century, and Mr. Schulian will still be just another disgruntled sportswriter who hides behind his word processor.
Greg Owens
Wheaton
I couldn’t help but think that Mr. John Schulian must be the person for whom the movie “As Good As It Gets” was written. I don’t think Jack Nicholson’s character could have come up with anything more snide, cynical or useless to say than did Schulian.
Michael Jordan has given kids optimism about the fruits of working hard to be as good as you can. He has also given us big people a spiritual lift watching his games and his winning smile.
Is positively influencing multitudes of adults and children somehow lacking in social consciousness?
Gale Walters
Vernon Hills
THINK ABOUT IT
Regarding your story “So Smart They Cheat” (April 12): Would you like to use a bridge made by (or at least designed by) a cheater?
Doris M. Barnard
South Haven, Mich.
In response to your article on cheating: It’s all fostered at home, through teaching from our parents. You cannot possibly be honest in your dealings if you are reared in an environment of dishonesty. If the basis of child rearing is “get an A, use people, make the team at any cost, winning is everything, cheat if you must but don’t get caught,” then failure is sure to ensue.
I’m no pillar of the community, but basic honesty, trust and respect for others were all handed down to me. When I cut corners, it’s painful. You feel it; it gnaws at you. One could label it “Conscience.”
Miyuki Ohshita
Mundelein
PRODIGAL PRESIDENT
I enjoyed reading the excellent biography of the “Double Life” of Valdas Adamkus (April 5) relating to his past and his recent inauguration as president of Lithuania. I was, however, somewhat surprised that an interesting aspect of his early American career as a voluntary member of the U.S. Army Reserve was omitted.
To fill you in, Valdas joined my U.S. Army Reserve unit in the early ’60s during the Cold War era. His expertise and ability to speak four languages (not to mention his firsthand knowledge of communist bloc nations) were invaluable assets. He served faithfully as an active reservist, attending unit training and numerous annual active duty tours. This was just another indication of his intention to fully assimilate into our American way of life at the time. Our government also soon recognized his knowledge when he was included in numerous trade missions to European countries, as well as in his advancement to an executive position in the civilian sector, with the Environmental Protection Agency.
I am confident that Valdas Adamkus will also succeed in this “Second Part of His Double Life.” Chicago will be proud of him.
George J. Kasper
Lt. Col. AUS, retired
Berwyn
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