2002-07-09 - 2:22 p.m.

I usually don't get political, but this story in the Free Press kindled some spark in me.

Hence, a quick e-mail to a state representative in Michigan. (Do you like how I called him "sir"? Can't you just picture my virile index finger pointing in an accusatory manner?) Maybe tomorrow I can write about what I -- we -- have been up to.

Mr. Callahan,

Regarding your recent comments about Sander Levin: You, sir, give the State of Michigan a bad name. I've lived in New York for two years now, and I try to defend my home state against people who label it (along with the rest of the Midwest) as a provincial backwater full of people with ignorant attitudes about race, religion, etc. -- the very attitudes you seem to hold.

No matter how "out of context" your quote, it doesn't change the fact that you played the Faith Card in a grossly inappropriate way. You can talk all you want about "representing the people of the district," but the bottom line is that in America, we judge people on their actions and their characters, not whether they practice the once-pagan ritual of putting presents under a pine tree in December. That's the hope, anyway. Expecting less from your constituents is pandering of the worst kind.

I think, however, you've actually planned out this little brouhaha pretty well. Congratulations. The media is outraged, as expected, but you're betting your Jew-baiting will secretly find favor with the Reagan Democrats of Warren -- one of the biggest, whitest, non-"Hebrew" (to borrow your word) cities in Michigan. Then, if all goes to plan, you ride your cynicism all the way to Washington. Let's hope the voters are less anti-Semitic than you think they are.

Sincerely,

Trevor Xxxxx

Brooklyn, N.Y.

(Callahan's e-mail is wcallah@house.state.mi.us)