Copia Art Exhibit Brings Insult to Many

Re “Catholics Slam Napa Art Exhibit,” Jan. 5: The protest over the exhibit at Copia is surprising, considering that the use of scatological imagery can be traced back to late 11th and early 12th century Gothic manuscripts, where marginal illustrations decorated the edges of psalters and books of hours. Members of the clergy performing earthly acts were used with humorous--and sometimes satirical--meanings, depending on the context, to entertain the readers. Copia should be applauded for embracing artistic expression, and the groups complaining should focus on more pressing issues, such as overpopulation.

Robin Wyshak

Los Angeles

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Where is the liberal outrage? The Copia “art” exhibit is so clearly hate speech of the most egregious sort, directed at Catholicism, the religion practiced by the vast majority of Hispanics in America and a whole lot of other people too, including blacks and women. Could it be that when it comes to religion, there is a double standard for liberals?

Could it be that they, like the extreme leftists whose ideas modern-day liberalism is based upon, believe that all religion is evil and those who practice it deluded or stupid? I suggest that liberals don’t give a damn about hate speech, especially when they can use it to muzzle or attack and intimidate those whose ideas contradict theirs.

Michael R. Oberndorf

Apache Junction, Ariz.

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Why is it unconscionable to show a manger with taxpayer money but perfectly acceptable to depict themes that are anti-Catholic?

J. William Stinde

Compton