Art, Music and Money

The Napster trial is attacking the wrong side (“Appeals Court Issues Ruling Against Napster,” Feb. 13). For years, the recording industry has been overpaid and inflated in value. Beaucoup bucks have been directed to limited talents. Because of the morals in the music industry, a talent such as Eminem, who despises the world and himself, is spreading his rose-colored view of the world to the kids of today. Other “artists” are paid handsomely for attempting to use as much profanity as possible. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Trash should be free.

BARBARA DE LA PENA

Whittier

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The two persons writing in defense of Elton John (letters, Feb. 13) need some sensitivity training at the very least, a reality check at most. Elton John is obviously using the trash rapper Eminem for his own financial gain (or so he thinks); since his CD sales aren’t what they used to be, he’s looking for kids to like him. Future earnings are on his mind, not any concessions to the gay community. He is not being “gutsy,” as one of the writers put it. Quite to the contrary, it is an act of cowardly, pathetic self-preservation.

FREDRIC COOPER

Torrance