‘Gangsta’ Rap

The rap artists quoted in “Putting the Cuffs on ‘Gangsta’ Rap Songs” (Dec. 10) can’t be stupid--they couldn’t be creative artists if they were--but they’re missing the point. Freedom of speech is not the same as “having someone else foot the bill so you can say whatever you want.”

If your artistic expression requires graphic descriptions of sex, violence and death, fine. You are absolutely free to press your own record, package, promote and market it-- yourself . But no one else is under any obligation to bankroll, or even listen to, your efforts.

MICHAEL McCONNOHIE, Burbank