A Philadelphia Phillies fan who appears demanding a home run ball from a father drew criticism online.
Usage of the name "Karen" in the pejorative, disparaging way it is intended (repeated by Neal Rubin in his recent column), further demonstrates our continued devolvement into a culture of acceptably-nasty meanspiritedness. ("This might seem off base, but it's time to ease up on Phillies Karen," Detroit Free Press, Sept. 10).
Ugly labeling and contemptuous name-calling is wrong, as most of us likely learned as little children.
Journalists' use of "Karen" in that way is particularly egregious as it legitimizes labeling, normalizes name-calling, amplifies contempt, hastens our path to further devolvement into base groupthink and pile-on and perpetuates grossly unfair gender-race stereotypes.
The fact that it has become widely acceptable is shockingly hypocritical. Are there other common names that have been similarly demonized based on certain bad behaviors but are instead aligned with other gender, cultures, races, religions, etc., and that are journalistically acceptable and publicly used without the threat of being "canceled"?
Not sure what the AP Stylebook guidelines may be for this ugly practice of using the good name "Karen" to describe any White woman's improper behavior, but perhaps some ethical standard could provide guidance.
In memory of a dear friend Karen, a white woman who died much too young and who was one of the most decent, kindest, generous and genuinely good souls ever, please stop dishonoring the goodness of so many people with a specific name-label to describe anyone's negative behaviors. Do better. Be decent.
It's simple: Describe behaviors, don't take the labeling low road.
Susan Scannell
Allen Park
I can't believe re-selling tickets for profit is legal
The idea that you should be able to buy tickets to sell for a profit is atrocious.
The only people buying tickets to shows should be the ones attending, unless they are gifting them for free to someone else.
The argument that this is how capitalism works is not a good one. And if that's the case, then why not let a few people buy up all plane tickets, or any other kind of travel ticket or prescriptions when there's a shortage? Because if that's how capitalism is, then it should all be free game right?
It's sickening that reselling venue tickets above their value was made legal by bipartisan legislation, and just shows how completely out of touch the legislators in our state are with the people they claim to represent. When the state decided to legalize this practice, it did not stand up for consumers or communities -- it stood up for profiteers and those who prey on others as a way of life instead of creating something of their own and adding value to our economy.
Legalizing a practice does not make it moral. Michigan has chosen to normalize greed, and in doing so, it has weakened trust between the public and those elected to serve it. At the end of the day, the message is clear: If you are an ordinary fan, your experience and access matter less than the profits scalpers and their enablers can generate.
Michael Schultz
Capac, Michigan
Michigan should protect clean air, water monitoring
People have the right to live in healthy communities with clean air and safe water. No one wants their surroundings degraded, so it's hard to understand why Republicans in the U.S. Congress have voted at least 54 times since 2023 to defund environmental and public health protections approved through the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Since Trump took office, much of the funding for air and water monitoring and public health protection has been canceled despite the risks to our well-being, food supply and higher energy bills. Rescinding funds for air and water monitoring projects corrodes efforts to modify climate change and promote a sustainable future. This elimination will increase household electricity bills, void planned economic investment and lead to fewer jobs. In 2024, about 70% of Michigan has community water systems that often struggle to fund improvements for aging systems, remove polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) "forever chemicals" and protect our inland lakes and miles of rivers and streams.
Experts policy makers and competent scientists have spent years skillfully weaving law and science to create policies that protect our life support systems and stimulate economic growth. What we have now is a wholesale attack on this innovation. This administration and the U.S. Congress are making it easier for polluters to dump unsafe amounts of toxins in communities without being accountable, at the expense of our health.
The Flint water crisis is a reminder of what can happen with weak water quality oversight. Historically, there has been bipartisan support for protecting Michigan's water resources but the proposed Michigan House budget cuts millions from drinking water programs, weakens PFAS rules and the final blow, slashes millions from public health programs.
The actions of federal and state decision makers make me feel expendable, and like my well-being is not important. Not protecting our life support system and the fundamental freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water and live in a healthy and safe environment is a far cry from being pro-life.
Evelyn C. Gallegos
Brighton
Keep the 'Roadless Rule'
The Roadless Rule is a conservation policy in the U.S. that protects approximately 60 million acres of national forest land from road construction and most logging activities. Established in 2001, it aims to preserve vital habitats, safeguard drinking water supplies and maintain recreational areas. Maintaining forest health management includes fire suppression, conserving ecosystems, protecting threatened and endangered species, preserving recreation opportunities and cultural, sacred sites and decreasing the impacts on local and regional economies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. The Trump administration is making it crystal clear it is willing to pollute our clean air and drinking water, destroy prized habitat for species, and increase the risk of devastating wildfires.
I urge the Trump administration not to rescind the Roadless Rule. A rule that was implemented to conserve and protect remaining American ecosystems from development would no longer protect lands that are home to 70% of our native trout and salmon, that protect drinking water for millions, and that offer some of the finest hunting and fishing opportunities in the world. To no longer protect the environment and communities around these areas is short-term gain for a handful of interest groups and long-term destruction for all of us.
Jan Sockness
Ann Arbor
Everyone must pitch in to improve education
Education is a collective effort, a true community race. And every one of us, whether we have a child in school or not, can be a crucial part of the pit crew. Our kids need a team to reach the finish line, and you have a valuable role to play.
If you're a parent, consider volunteering at your child's school, attending events, or joining the PTO. Your input and skills can make a significant difference. At home, ensure your child has a dedicated, quiet space free from distractions to complete homework and study.
For relatives, friends and neighbors, you can be a mentor or tutor. An extra adult in a child's life who offers encouragement, advice or simply a listening ear can be a game-changer. We all have something to contribute to a child's success, and together, we can give our students the support they need to win their race.
As a final thought, the biggest impact we can make is to become strong advocates for our children and schools. The challenges they face go beyond the classroom. Here in Michigan, for example, funding that provides all students with free school meals is at risk of being cut at the end of this month. Thousands of Michigan children could lose access to free meals. This will have a ripple effect, leading to increased childhood hunger and higher costs for families. Even more funding cuts are on the horizon for the 2026-2027 school year, threatening vital student programs.
This is a critical moment in education. I challenge all of us to reach out to our legislators, make our voices heard, and demand that our schools and students get the resources they need. As the pit crew members in our children's race, we have a crucial part in shaping their future and helping them reach the finish line. Let's speak up for our children's right to a quality education and a healthy future.
Dr. Kellie Finnie
The writer currently serves as Director of Curriculum and State and Federal Programs for Dearborn Heights School District 7
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