The second column, from Oct. 29, poked at the proliferation of "trunk or treat" Halloween celebrations in Utah neighborhoods and parents' urge to micromanage holiday fun. One mom offers a unique viewpoint. Read on.
''You know what continually amazes me about Limbaugh haters like yourself is how much you continually take him out of context. I know you didn't miss the part where Rush quoted from Fox's own book that he adjusts his medicine at times to amplify the characteristics of his disease. . . . The public is starting to dial you and your liberal cronies out (New York Times layoffs, falling media stock prices, Air America bankruptcy). I just love the market; it has a way of cutting through the crud and right to the truth. In the Yellow Pages you might be able to find a good life coach or counseling for your anger management. Rush at least acknowledged he had a [drug abuse] problem and dealt with it. Will you?'' - John Steele, American Fork
''Let me start by saying that I in no way condone what Rush Limbaugh (I wish he would go away) and Sean Hannity said regarding Michael J. Fox. I consider myself a moderate Republican and I don't mind you calling out Rush and Sean for their insensitivity. However, your article seems to infer that theirs are the only 'hate shows' out there. There are just as many, if not more, liberal radio personalities who take their own shots and spread hate.
''Unfortunately, this country has become so partisan that no one will listen to the other side and concede that they have a good idea. Politicians are so stubborn they attack the other side regardless of its position. If we are going to fix our divided country, it will take media members to start spreading the love. We need to make sure bozos like Rush keep their mouths shut once in a while. But if you are hoping to stop the hate, it has to be consistent. By singling out the right wing or the left wing all we do is perpetuate the hate.'' - Josh Hays, Salt Lake City
''For me, 'trunk or treat' is a lifesaver. I have a 10-year-old son with cerebral palsy who uses an electric wheelchair. Our neighbors, wonderful as they are, have houses with lots of steps leading to their front doors. We sometimes park at the bottom of the steps and yell 'trick or treat ' loud as we can, but it's not much fun. Also, it's hard to get in the driveways because I have to push the chair over the dipped curb. Otherwise, he gets stuck and the wheels just spin and spin.
''So when the flier from the local LDS church comes around I yell 'yahoo, let's go' (and they feed us a chili dinner too)! Trunk or treat is a wonderful thing, and so are kids with disabilities. When you and I were running the streets as kids, the children with disabilities were shut away either in their homes or an institution, not to be seen or heard from. Yep, times have changed, but I think for the better!'' - Valerie Billmire, Park City
hmullen@sltrib.com
