I just had to write to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your article "Get Down!" (May 7) online. As a '70s grad of Rocky River High and CSU, I had many a "high" time bringing in the weekend in my beloved Cleveland with my friends Bruce Springsteen, Murray Saul, the Easybeats and others! Your article was a terrific trip down memory lane for me and I'm sure for thousands of others.

I do so wish I could come up from my home in North Carolina to the 80th birthday party at the Beachland (May 16; see beachlandballroom.com). If you get a chance, please mention my birthday wishes to Murray. Some of my fondest memories of him occurred when pot was decriminalized. He'd pin a "less than oz" baggie to his shirt to introduce a band and just rant about the fun we were about to have! Good times! Really, really good times!

Don Koster
Charlotte, North Carolina

THANKS, DICKHEAD

Thanks for your well-informed and right-on evaluation of my new CD (May 7). You obviously played it until you finished reading the one sheet and then jotted some clever (for you) put-downs before moving on to your next hack review.

Anyway, if there is anything I do musically that's more pretentious than you as a music editor, I will work very hard to correct it. Sorry the songs were beyond your comprehension and not about pussy and beer.

Nick Riff
Nick Riff's Freak Element
Nickriff.com

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE IMMIGRANTS TO OPPOSE THEM

America does not hate Hispanics or any other group that obeys the law. ("Immigrant Songs," Books, May 7,) There are well over 1 million illegal Mexicans that can be accounted for alone, which I am sure is a small number compared to the accurate one. When they cross that border, they are telling all Americans to go to hell with our laws. What do we say to all the people that are filling the proper paperwork out - sorry, you cannot come in because people that break the law are taking your spot?

And as far as jobs, it is not that Americans will not do the work, as liberals say, but the average American family cannot make it off the wages these greedy companies are willing to pay! As more of these illegals come in, the higher the unemployment rate will increase! Most illegals are willing to live eight to 15 people in a two-bedroom apartment. Is that what we are supposed to do?

Yes, every single person living in this country is an immigrant or a descendent of one, but most of us, including my family, did it legally! We did not jump borders and tell the Americans to go to hell with the law! So if protecting my family, jobs and America's security and future is hate, then 340 million of us are guilty!

John Pender|
Parma

LET 'EM FIGHT

The total number of delegates required to nominate a Democratic candidate is 2,025. Neither candidate has reached this number. If the number is not reached by the date of the final primary (June 3) then the contest must continue to the convention. During the convention, delegates and super delegates can vote on as many ballots as necessary to determine the winner. The controversy concerning the popular votes and delegates from Michigan and Florida must also be resolved prior to the convention.

Just as with the presidential election of 2000, President Bush could not become president until he received the 270 electoral votes. No Democrat considered him the presumptive victor. To ask either Democratic candidate to withdraw before either one reaches the required tally does a disservice to the entire process. Both candidates and their supporters have waged a very good campaign but if neither one can "close the deal" before the convention it is up to the delegates and super delegates to decide. Let us continue.

Joe Bialek
Cleveland