Readers always write

     Enough about Zoeller's statements
     
     To the sports editor:
      This whole (non-) issue of Fuzzy Zoeller-Tiger Woods and sensitive speech has gone way past the point of absurdity. The May 1 column by Joe Hawk ("Most of us resemble Fuzzy Zoeller more than Tiger Woods") was another in a long line of angst-filled homilies that could fit into the sub-heading: ''Can't We All Just Get Along?''
      Zoeller's remarks were intended to be lighthearted and not hurtful. Whether you agree with his choice of words is not the issue.
      We have become a society that has lost all sense of proportion; so caught up in minutiae that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Yes, Zoeller's comments were stereotypical, but as long as the focus of those remarks was not offended, why should anyone care?
      We have all been the butt of jokes -- whether based on appearance, ethnicity, sex, religion, etc. Humor is based on farce, satire and misfortune. Think hard -- can you think of anything amusing that did not contain these ingredients?
      The real issue here is that some people have much thinner skin than others. I learned a long time ago that anyone stupid enough to actually believe stereotypes isn't worth the effort of getting agitated over.
      All of the self-righteous newspaper columns in the world won't change the fact there will always be hateful people around. Fuzzy Zoeller is not one of those people.
     Kevin Mangold
     
     It's time to open your mind on race
     
     To the sports editor:
      This is to respond to Herbert M. Burr's May 4 letter headlined "Tiger, media are ruining golf."
      When Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer hit the golf scene, they, too, had the media's attention because it was their time and they played the game like no others.
      Mr. Woods is playing the game like no other, yet you say he is bad for golf? I think you are the one who is ruining this country with your racial remarks. This golf situation is just a platform for you to vent your feelings.
      It's time we all overcome racism and start setting an example for our youth. I've been a youth educator for 12 years, and I have been told that their parents have instructed them to dislike someone because of his or her color.
      I hope children follow their minds, not their parents' heart.
     Mark William Andrews
     
     Hawk puts Durango issue in perspective
     
     To the sports editor:
      I want to compliment Joe Hawk on his great column on May 8 ("Media strikes out on portrayal of Durango baseball team"). These players deserve the press you gave them. I imagine there was a sense of shame for the ballplayer who was ineligible, but the team did not turn on itself or cast blame. The attitudes remained in check as they came together and encouraged one another.
      This is a refreshing change from where my son used to play. We are proud of this team, athletically and academically.
      Again, thank you for a well-deserved point-counterpoint to the rest of the media.
     Vickie Walker
     
     Richards provides excellent analysis
     
     To the sports editor:
      I want to thank Jay Richards for his horse racing articles and your track selections. I'm retired and moved to the area last fall, and I look forward to Richards' columns on Friday and Sunday. Keep up the good work.
     
     Donald Ruby
     
      Editor's note: The R-J sports desk welcomes letters from readers. They should be limited to 200 words, must have a signature with a return address and must include a phone number. Names will not be withheld for any reason. Address letters to: Letters to the sports editor, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV, 89125-0070. Letters can also be faxed to the R-J at 383-4676.