Dead on: Kudos to Malcolm Gay for doing such an extensive story on the Venezia-Johnson killings ["Win Lose Die," November 30 ["Win Lose Die," December 7]. Indeed, not many people on the east side thought there was a suicide. The $8 million land deal took place within 24 hours of the deaths and made a blatantly evident motive. The lifting of the liquor license the week before was probably just a warning shot.
Is Belleville police chief Terrence Delaney related to St. Clair County Clerk Bob Delaney (who did a terrible job with the election in 2004)? Janice Delaney is also a former county clerk. The nepotism and cronyism over here is just awful. Performance of public servants is just awful. Thousands of dollars was spent on a training firm to get the workers at the courthouse to treat people properly. When you're a mistress, loyal Democrat, etc., you don't need to perform real work.
Was the obvious murder of city manager Harvey Henderson of East St. Louis ever given that status? It would be interesting to see a comprehensive story of his demise. Newspaper stories may be the only punishment these evil people will ever suffer.
I will pray for Malcolm Gay's safety.
Doris Bailey
Belleville, Illinois
Christian solves the problem: "Win Lose Die" was excellent! There is a reason for outlaw behavior, murder and rampant police corruption in East St. Louis: Christian fundamentalism. The (false) Christians in Missouri have driven the sex industry over the river and have worked to criminalize an otherwise beautiful activity. There are disabled men (some are veterans of war) that depend on the strip clubs and adult stores in East St. Louis for sexual release. Because the "good Christians" (hypocrites) have made the sex industry shady, people like Mr. Venezia have stepped in to fill the gap. The solution to this problem is simple: Allow the sex industry (including prostitution) to operate in Missouri and encourage Christian businessmen to become involved in this exciting and dynamic field. Perhaps by recruiting strippers and prostitutes from the local area churches, we can once and for all end the crime and corruption that seems to follow this industry.
Christian Peper
Richmond Heights
Errata
Last week's news story
"Wounded Pride" incorrectly stated that Pride St. Louis member Deborah Miller had "voted" to remove Chad Saenz from his post as the organization's vice president. In fact, Miller submitted a statement of support to the cadre calling for Saenz's ouster. Additionally, an editing error miscast a quotation from Miller to imply that Pride St. Louis president John Lovin had been asked before Saenz was elected whether the candidate had any criminal convictions. In actuality, Miller said Lovin had been asked whether he [Lovin] had been convicted of a crime.
Also, owing to a layout error, the page containing Rose Martelli's review of Sweetie Pie's cut off the last line of each column. The review can be read in its entirety at www.riverfronttimes.com/Issues/2005-12-14/dining/cafe.html.
