Now Hear This
Henry Lightcap really hit the mark with his comments in the June issue ("Henry Lightcap's Journal") about recording-industry executives. They are the greediest of greedy weasels in the weasel-infested corporate world.
Music sales actually increased during the Napster era, then fell after the recording industry successfully destroyed the file-sharing concept with a multi-billion-dollar judgment against Napster. The reason is simply that those who downloaded tunes through Napster and similar services could sample music. If they liked it, they might buy the CD. If they had never heard that music, then there was little chance they would purchase it.
The weasels' latest target is satellite radio. They have just filed suit against XM Radio. XM provides about 70 commercial-free music channels, covering every genre, all in digital quality straight from satellite. Should be the greatest boon imaginable for the recording industry. XM subscribers are no doubt buying more CDs than ever because of their exposure to just about every recording ever made. Are the weasels happy about this? Not a chance. They are angry because XM listeners can record from their receivers.
What sort of compensation are they asking the court to give them for this transgression? A dollar a tune maybe, what the devious recordist would have to pay to buy it online? No, they want $150,000 for each song recorded by an XM subscriber. Now we know the true price of greed.
Satellite radio is the single greatest technological achievement ever for music lovers. We can listen to the kinds of music we like, when we like, free of commercials and other interruptions. If the recording industry is allowed to destroy this service, the world will be a poorer place. The mindless avarice of a small group of individuals should not be allowed to deprive millions of people of something that is very important in their lives.
David Oliver
Deming
Don't Ride 'Em, Cowboy
The rodeo mom in the article "Rodeo Roundup," (June 2006) states, "Because of rodeo my husband and I know where our boys are and what they're doing. In turn, they have responsibilities, how to compete, care for animals and equipment, handle their winnings and perform under pressure." Of course, the hapless rodeo livestock are completely at ease during the whole simulation of typical ranching activities.
The part about "care for animals and equipment" is notable. "Rodeo mom" puts them in the same category, implying they are both merely of utilitarian worth and lack any intrinsic value.
Behind the scenes, rodeo livestock are used over and over again in practice and training sessions. Greater abuses naturally occur then than in public, because cruelties that would disqualify a "cowboy" in competition are nothing more than a cautionary learning experience. Let's hear it for soccer moms instead of those hell bent on teaching their children to exploit and abuse animals for fun, ego and money!
Bob Young
Las Cruces
Prize Possession
Finally, one of the recipients of a 10th-anniversary Desert Exposure mug—a thank-you to 10 randomly chosen respondents to our recent reader survey—writes:
Thank you for the handsome 10th-anniversary Desert Exposure coffee mug! I shall brandish it proudly at the local coffee shops here in Silver City and no doubt be the envy of all. Being the only thing I've ever won in my life, I intend to pass it down to my grandchildren for posterity.
Once again, my deep thanks, and keep up the good work with your excellent newspaper.
Randy L. Clark
Silver City
How can you join the select few who "brandish" these enviable collector's items? Well, becoming a regular large advertiser certainly helps. But if you've nothing to advertise, don't despair: Turn the page to Desert Diary and see how contributing a story, joke or other item could earn you a free mug to pass down to your grandchildren.
Let us hear from you! Write Desert Exposure Letters, PO Box 191, Silver City, NM 88062, fax 534-4134 or email letters@desertexposure.com. Letters are subject to editing for style and length.