John and Eminem

* Re “Grammy Duet by Elton John, Eminem Puts Spin on Uproar,� Feb. 10: It seems that Elton John, rock legend and ardent champion of all causes gay, has brought anathema upon himself by his decision to perform with Eminem. John’s willingness to mingle with the top pop gods and goddesses of this first decade of the new millennium is one of the reasons he remains fresh and relevant. Of course, he’s no longer at his creative apex. However, Eminem is in the midst of his afflatus, and who can blame John for wanting to share in the glory and controversy? It’s a gutsy, if opportunistic, move.

BRUCE L. THIESSEN

Sacramento

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I’m a homosexual who has walked away from the gay community precisely because of the narrow self-interest demonstrated in GLAAD’s brutal attack on John for accepting Eminem’s offer to sing together on the Grammy Awards show. Eminem extends his hand to the gay world but gays not only snap at it, they capriciously trash one of their leading luminaries. The best way to defang Eminem is by embracing him, yet such original thinking is, unfortunately, heresy to my brothers who call themselves gay.

MICHAEL LINDER

Venice