Before we had the forum (which opened on January 13th, 2006,0 we had the letters box. This was a special invitation for readers to share with us their thoughts on The Fedora Chronicles and have an opportunity to contribute to the site in a limited fashion.

Many letters you won't see here are the brief ones asking us why we didn't have a forum. Many people said they wanted to see a forum where they could discuss and debate current issues and events with other readers of this site. After a short while, all the letters were asking for a forum and none were actually talking about the site, which was perfect timing since one of the forums where many of The FC staff used to post was closing...

You are still welcome to post a letter - but we also encourage you to join and participate in The Fedora Chronicles Forum. If you have any problems signing up - please send us a letter to our Information Box.

December 22nd, 2005 -

(In response to Eric Renderking Fisk's "The One where Ren uses the Word “Orgasm” in a Rant!"

Interesting points in your latest rant, Eric.
 
You are most definitely in the minority (or is it more accurate to refer to it as - the silent majority?).
One of my pet peaves is that so many people who disagree with opinions, perspectives, lifestyles, and priorities emphasized by the inescapable modern media do not express their own opinions.  It seems every recognizable face in Hollywood either supports these "forward-thinking" philosophies and lifestyles or remains silent for fear of being labeled (one of the terms you mentioned) and/or blacklisted by the cultural elitists.
 
With regards to the movie "Brokeback Mountain," neither actor has impressed me with a standout performance to date and if this is indeed a love story (as stated over and over in the publicity barrage) then I'm simply not interested (not my favorite genre).  But that would be the politically correct version of my rationale for not going to see it.  The real reason is that I am one of the genuine minority members in today's society who, due to personal beliefs, simply do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle.
 
In my day-to-day dealings with people of many diverse cultures, races, religions, and yes, those with alternate sexual orientation, I am extremely committed to treating everyone fairly and without discrimination.  Not only that, I would go so far as to provide vigorous assistance and protection to anyone who I discovered to be a victim of mistreatment for these related factors.  Even if it were not the law and corporate policy, I believe it would be unfair and unjust to mistreat or discriminate against other people.  And therein lies the rub for my particular cultural and religious identity group.  Although I am bound not only by law but by personal conviction to treat everyone equally, I cannot support public reforms and court-mandated "advancements" on behalf a lifestyle which conflicts with my own personal beliefs.  It is a balancing act of both the heart and the soul to thoughtfully and fairly consider these questions and issues.
 
I wholehearted agree with you that there is an overload of sexual-related content into every facet of our society.  I believe that the modern obsession with sex represents more than simply bad taste and a decline in moral values.  To me it signals a bad omen for the future of mankind that such a bold and continuous onslaught of sexually- related content in our daily lives is allowed to both continue and magnify.
 
With regards to labels and character assassinations, people have been name-calling since the dawn of our civilization.  It takes more than dedication to one's own convictions to not be intimidated by what the so-called majority or majority-opinion rulers think and say.  It takes courage and hope for the future to, as the immortal line from Dylan Thomas says, "... Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
 
Keep up the good writing Renderking.
The silent majority is listening and learning.
 
Respectfully,
 
Don

November 25th, 2005 -

Senator Jack's correct assessment - living vs existing !
(In response to This Article by Senator Jack...)
I would like to cast my vote in support of the Senator's position regarding the grazing, not even eating, let alone dining, misadventures in today's environment.  The art of conversation, the visual enjoyment of the decor of the restaurant, and the well dressed clientel is all but forgotten.

Like many of the baby boomers, I survived the 60's, started working at 14 during the summers, enlisted in the US Navy, earned my degree and then received my Commission.   Finding myself on top of the embassy in a city that no longer exists (under its old name),  a revelation occured. There is much more to our presence between the North & South Poles than merely existing.  This is not a dress rehersal, this is the real thing. 

We all agree that it's "time to stop & smell the roses", yet so few people do.  The Navy has a tradition, as do the other services, of having formal nights in the wardroom, with the officers in their Dress Whites (or Blues, depending on season) and their ladies in gowns. (To be PC, the ladies in uniform were escorted by gentlemen in Tux).

Truly magnificant evenings. I was fortunate in participanting in many of these events, including those in London, my last duty station for the US Navy European headquarters. I have to compliment our European counterparts;  they have retained in great measure the art of living, and enjoying the evening, not just a meal, in a fine restaurant. The preparation for a fine evening, shoes shined, wardrobe selected, I believe sets the tone for the event. People have the opportunity, truly to experience life a a higher plane. It is not a direct function of income, but of one's interests, intent and a desire for self-improvement. Taking the effort, in dress and manners, to make other people comfortable in their surroundings and conversation is not snobbery, but a way to let others know you appreciate their efforts, and are interested in sharing a pleasant evening of conversation and dining with them.

Yes, I have mounted my soapbox. But to cast a vote the Senator's way, knowing that there are others of our elk that enjoy the Art of Living.
 
Commander Jake
USN (Ret)

October 24th, 2005

To The Editor:

Wow, is all I can say about your website.  I’ve been looking for a retro-website that promotes the true values of American life for sometime now. Now, being only 27 it’s hard to find places that fit with my world view one that is deeply patriotic and traditional. I’d just like to say with all the filth and half-truths out from the liberal media source that are out overwhelming present on the internet it’s refreshing to see a truly thought provoking website like this one.

Best of luck,

Robert Williams.

Editors Note: Thanks, Mr. Williams.

Each day when we look for news, we come a cross a lot of items from all over the world that we think would be interesting to news junkies, Vintage Aficionados and History buffs – and we host them. Are the stories interesting? That’s all that matters.

I also want to make sure that this site honors those who fought during World War II and those who are now fighting The War On Terror: We can’t ever forget them or what they do. We have to be fair and honest when hosting links to then news and be sure nothing we link to is unfair to them or to history.

The Fedora Chronicles should always be an on-line oasis and counter the negative “news and entertainment” other sites provide.

I would also like to add that everyone who contributes to The Fedora Chronicles have all been phenomenal. I’m really proud of them and you’ll be seeing more great things from them in the future.

Thanks again –
Eric Fisk

 

September 25th, 2005

In response to Robert Turner returns to his Knock Out Punch - Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina....

Exactly my thoughts about Katrina and the dirty politics in the  aftermath.
 
Like you, I lived in New Orleans for a year and have come back many  times for visits. The stench of corruption in that city is well-known, only  getting worse every year.
 
To blame President Bush has become the favorite pastime,  particularly among racial demagogues and their godfathers, the hypocritical  Democrats. Now that we can cast emotions aside and view this disaster from afar,  it's obvious that the primary blame should rest on the shoulders of Mayor Nagin  and Governor Kathleen Blanco. They failed to execute a disaster plan which is  there for everybody to see. To see this mayor cursing and cussing on TV looks pathetic, and yet  the mainstream media have given him a pass because of his race. This is  political correctness carried to an extreme.
 
Governor Blanco deserves as much blame for her inaction and utter  lack of leadership in knowing what to do. She was caught on tape acknowledging  that she should have called the federal government sooner. What a  cop-out!
 
Democrats and liberals will milk this disaster as much as they can  to win political points. That's not going to resonate with most Americans who  are getting disgusted at the idea we all are going to be picked in the pockets  by a bunch of political thugs who have no business holding positions of  leadership.
 
Maybe millionaires like George Soros, Jesse Jackson, Ted Kennedy,  and John Kerry can donate some of their money and start collecting from their  fellow radicals to rebuild a city that will always vote for them. And let's make  sure the rest of us are not victimized by shakedowns already underway.

Roaring Remy

In response to Stella Nobrega-Collins, "Our Spirit will Never Be Broken..."
Hey Canyon. Robert Parise here.  I enjoyed your article and am also in envy of how the British citizens can get up, brush themselves off and live on.  Being a history buff I have noticed that it is the same way in many cases in WWI and WWII.  Best of Luck.

Robert A. Parise
 

September 22nd, 2005

Hiya folks!

Before I go on with some responses to the articles on your fine site, I feel the need to make the following disclaimer.

I am Conservative. I am religious. I own guns and think others should. I'm against abortion except in extreme cases. I have a TV that is used solely for watching DVDs. I am a husband and a father. My wife works at home, raising our kids. I help her whenever possible. I oppose Gay Marriage but support the state issuing Civil Unions instead of Marriage Liscences. I do not drink alcohol and I avoid caffeine. I am against any recreational drug use. I rarely use prescription drugs, even for pain.

Now that that's out of the way, I can respond to some of the recent articles.

Ryan - Brain Dead people are everywhere! We can't avoid them. You forgot to mention that these people can quote you lines from TV shows, including the episode name, yet can't name the Vice President or Secretary of State. My advice to you is as follows; before engaging in a political discussion, the first question asked by you is this: did you vote in the last election? If they answer no, then they are not qualified to speak with about politics. I do this and I can tell you it really annoys people. On the plus side, it also brings on the discussion on why voting is so important. My town has 5 new regular voters as a result of my adherence to that practice. I've found that learning the answer to that question will help me avoid the brain dead in my community. It keeps me sane.

Kira - I am glad there are people like you in High School. I am glad to see that free thinking isn't a forgotten art and that the young people of today don't consider themselves rebels by doing what their parents did. When I was in high school and college, I was confronted by a professor who wanted to know why I wasn't 'rebelling against the establishment.' I told him I was; I'm a Republican. He told me I was confused, for the Republicans represented the establishment. I said "that's funny; on this campus, you're the establishment." I left before the vein in his head exploded. Continue thinking for yourself, especially if you disagree with me; that's the beauty of the USA. Far too many people think that those who don't agree with them are unAmerican or unpatriotic or don't think. 'Political Correctness' is an oxymoron (like Madonna wanting to not corrupt herself). The Bill of Rights absolutely guarantees that you will be offended. There are no provisions in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence that say we have a right to not be offended. In fact, the Freedom of Speech pretty much guarantees you will be. I'm glad you recognize that. I don't know you, but I'm proud of you.

V.Bee - I am sorry for your loss. I think your mother was trying to go, that's why she was eating the way she was. My maternal grandfather (we call him Pepe) is a WWII submarine veteran in the Pacific Theater. He's 92 and on his last legs. His wife died two years ago in August and he's waiting until he can join her. They had a large family, but to my dismay, most of his kids don't want to talk to him. He tells a lot of stories about his experiences in WWII, that's mostly what he wants to talk about. He's a many-times decorated veteran and a genuine War Hero and his kids are tired of his stories. He lives with my parents and we see them at least once a month. Every time we show up, he sees his great-grandchildren and his face lights up. We talk to him and help take care of him. The best way to show you care for someone is to talk to them. I have a total of 78 immediate blood relatives (first cousins, aunts, uncles, etc). I talk to some of them regularly. Sometimes it's just impractical to talk to them all. It's not always fake that they're so glad to see you. Sometimes, life keeps us away from each other. It's not that you don't want to talk to them, it's just impractical. I live ten minutes from two cousins and an uncle and I barely talk to them. I talk to my parents at least once a week and they live an hour away. I talk to my sister every other week and she lives an hour away. I talk to my brother every other month and he lives 2000 miles away. It's life; we get busy. My cousins are both married; one has three kids and the other is expecting their first. My aunt and uncle both work. I have four kids and work an off shift. When I see them, I'm genuinely glad to see them. I'd love to get together with them more often than Christmas and other special occasions but its just not practical. Don't shut people out or think ill of them when that may not be the case. Of course, if they're being obviously false, then they get what they
deserve. ;)

Keep the regular updates, if no one else does, I check the site daily.
You're all doing a great job!

Sincerely,
J Cousineau

December 6th, 2004.

To Whom It May Concern:

    I’m writing this letter to thank those of you who have come to play such an important part in my weekly routine over the past month or so. We all know how great the website is, and how convenient it is to have so many news headlines and articles at our fingertips updated on a daily basis, and for the constant hard work and dedication I want to say thank you to The Fedora Chronicles administration and staff. The site is brilliant and the hard work and dedication is appreciated by so many.

    To the columnists who contribute regularly to the site, thanks for setting the bar so high and speaking your minds so freely. I get such enjoyment out of reading your work each day, and I wanted to tell you so publicly. I can’t say how many times I’ve read and re-read Ren’s Rants, The O’Ryan Factor, Howls from the Wolff Pit, and L. Wayne Delaney’s fantastic insights and positions on so many different issues. The new column by Nick Franceschi looks extremely promising as well, and I’m eager to read more from this talented guy. I appreciate all the work and research you guys put into these wonderful columns, and I am privileged to see my work published next to yours.

    Of course, the readers are the ones who make it all worth while. The subculture of Golden Era traditionalists who visit the site daily and support the humble opinions of everyone involved are to thank for the success not only of the site and columns, but the survival of our kind. Thanks for supporting such a wonderful cause, and The Fedora Chronicles in particular.

    Finally, I want to personally thank Ren for bringing me aboard and extending his patience and camaraderie over the past few weeks. I’m not a trained writer or critic, not a professional editor or philosopher. Writing is both a hobby and curse for me, in that I do it for fun but go crazy if I don’t. Ren, you’ve given me a constructive outlet for my creative urges, and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be a part of your enterprise. I look forward to our future of working together, as well as the future of the site.

    Thanks again to everyone involved with the site. This really is one of the few online utopias, and I’m looking forward to a long, fascinating ride on the TFC machine.

Yours,

T. Robert Turner
 

December 2nd, 2004.

To the Crew at Fedora Chronicles;

    I am a friend of the RenderKing's from years ago, and though we don't communicate as often as I would like, we share enough in common that I feel like I'm keeping in touch with him through the website.

    But that's not why I'm writing.  I wanted to thank you.  For years I've felt as if I were some sort of throwback to a bygone era.  I'm a fan of the Indiana Jones movies, but not into the Indy Gear thing.  I've always considered Honor and Justice to be ideals that one should strive for.  The times when I want to just let myself go and enjoy things, I spend listening to Jazz, mostly Big Band.  As a musician, I've spent considerable time playing Jazz and have always preferred Big Band for, well, many reasons.  My bride and I have four kids, no television (although we have a TV set with DVD and VHS we do not get cable or satellite and aerial reception is dismal at best in our area).  We spend the bulk of our time listening to radio while we do things, or after the kids are in bed, we'll watch a DVD and eat ice cream.  We live our lives similar to the way people in the 20s, 30s and 40s did.  We do not have a cel phone, nor do we have a pager.  I work on the internet, so subsequently I rarely spend any time on it at home.  

    With this understanding of where I'm coming from, its probably not a long leap to understand why I'm thanking you.  Rarely does one find those of similar mindsets, and rarer still will one find a community of such.  I am grateful for your site for it keeps me in touch with that small sub-culture we share.  The articles (rants) are refreshing in that they express more often than not the frustrations I feel on any given day.  The news on the front page frequently contains information that I am interested in.  I visit it daily while at work and it is a refreshing change from the mad-cap world that the internet seems to cater to.

    Thank you for being the voice of reason and an island in the storm.

Sincerely,
Jason Cousineau

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