Thank you for the article “The kidz are alright” (July 2). It is good to see that real hip-hop is still alive in Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest and to hear someone speak on issues that the middle class can relate to and even learn about. I am sick of the “hip-hop” that is all about who has the most women and money. Future artists need to take a note from Lupe and Rhymefest and teach our youth about something instead of degrading themselves and others.
STACY HARPER / Aurora
Big John
Your item on John Hancock (In the Loop, July 2) perpetuates an unsubstantiated story about why the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence did so in huge letters. It states that Hancock wanted to make sure that King George III knew of his treason.
There is no evidence to support that claim, and historians note that Hancock, a vain man, typically signed documents in this fashion.
His name appears in the middle of the top row on the Declaration because he was, as president of the Continental Congress, the only delegate to sign it on July 4. There was no gathering of delegates watching him, as shown in a famous painting, only the secretary of Congress, Charles Thompson. There also is no evidence that Hancock made the famous comment about the king being able to read the signature without his glasses-although your article fortunately omits that legend.
TOM ADOLPHSON / Wilmette
Another Lab fan
Your article on trendy pets (June 25) made a big mistake suggesting Labrador retrievers are on the dumb side-that they’re “not known as the brain surgeons of the canine world” and “can’t remember anything that happened more than 10 seconds ago.”
These dogs are used as seeing-eye companions, in drug detection and search and rescue, and, of course, they make excellent hunters.
DON PARKS / Peru, Ill..
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