LONG LIVE CURMUDGEONS

Thank you for assigning Molly Ivins to review “Mencken” (Book Review, April 24). Ivins is right that “the curmudgeon shortage in this country is critical.” “Curmudgeons” are such fun to read--even when (or especially when) we howl in disagreement over an opinion.

Curmudgeons are now held in check and suppressed due to the imposed political correctness. Lives and careers can be destroyed when “labels” are given to anyone who drops a casual remark, that is perceived as offensive or dangerous. A few killers: Communist, un-American, racist, Nazi, homophobic, anti-this or anti-that, pro-this or pro-that, anti-Semitic, Arab-lover, Arab-hater, abortionist, baby-killer and on and on and on.

As a consequence, we become vanilla-flavored. A perfect example of the most perfect man is our President Bill Clinton; he is “nice” to everybody. Would that our country, and world, also be “nice.”

Molly Ivins is a lovable curmudgeon. Long may she live!

TRINI MARQUEZ, SKY FOREST