Mail drop - Letter to the Editor

Thrasher Magazine, Nov, 2002

Daniel Downey

Long Beach, CA

If we're such bros, how come you never call me on my birthday? T-ed

RIP IN PEACE

I write in regards to the death of Rory Ably. I heard today that Rory hit his head and died skating Ashland. I am greatly saddened by this, as I know many others are. I only knew Rory for a short time, but I feel a loss, not only for the friend I had but the good friend I could have made over the years. Rory was a ripping skater and great guy to hang out with, always good for a laugh. Not to mention puffing us up at his house whenever we'd come up. From me and Brigham and Rod and everyone else down here who had the pleasure of knowing you, rest in peace brother. We'll miss you. By the way, how are the pools in heaven?

Joel Lemos

Truckee, California

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS

This is a letter to Sam Cross of the August 2002 issue. Dude, what gives you the right to criticize peoples' lifestyles; not only that, but straight out dog a skate company? I personally do not believe in God, so are you saying I'm going to hell? Or would you go down the street with a shirt on sayin' "If you don't believe in God go to hell?" Skateboarding is a way of expression and is a lifestyle, or at least to me it is. And to criticize a company because of the way they express themselves? It's their choice to not believe in God, not like they are ramming it down your throat. Shit, I like Jamie Thomas. I got nothing against him 'cause he's Christian. Skateboarding is not to become another place for you small town people to censor--like music, it's expression. But when you POD-listening, church-going dudes start whining about graphics on decks it makes me sick. I gotta stop or I'm going to go ape shit. Skating is life.

Albert Chavez

Sylmar, California

God skates pools and Satan skates rails. T-ed

CRUST TIME

Last month I was reunited with my skate buddy from back in the day (early '80s). It had been at least 15 years--we are both 35 now. Neither of us had changed, still skatin,' stlll punkin' out. We got to talking and remembering how much your mag had meant to us then and now (D4 are feckin' brilliant, although I could live without another rail or stair picture). Living in backwater Northern Ontario, Canada, we were pretty much outsiders (in those days we would have been outsiders in LA)' nobody skated (of course) and certainly nobody was into '80s hardcore. They figured 'cause we were punk we listened to The Cars or the feckin' B52's. Anyway, on a trip to SF I discovered your magazine and it was like a message from the Godz themselves. I am not sure if words can describe how we felt and how Thrasher had became our salvation (even just for mail order information, is Tom Thumb still around?) After getting chased and threatened and insulted it was beautiful knowing that we belonged somewhere in the world and it ke pt us going. It was a huge part of our staying sane, being feckin' more hardcore than anyone else (especially when those day-glow Transworld/Airwalk pussies who came onto the scene later on), and of course entertaining us through our long winters. If I ever get the chance, the beers are on me.