For you to state that the core of the Beat generation were “fucked up criminals” is grossly exaggerated (“Neal Cassady vs. Dexadrine,” Letters, July 2-9). True they were not saints, but criminals? Hardly. You seem to take the road that these artists should not be “heros” because they had human frailties? Just because they took drugs, and drank to excess, doesn’t mean they can’t be heros, or an inspiration to others. Throughout time, most classic artists used drugs to spur their talent. From Van Gogh, to Hemmingway, onto The Beatles. So as a culture, by your thoughts, we should have missed out on all their awe inspiring art in our world simply because these guys weren’t your idea of perfect role models? It’s like a pre-emptive censorship strike.

And for the record, Kerouac did NOT die drunk. He had been sober for quite a while, and had taken up painting to occupy his mind. These men were not losers, they were the classic “tortured artists.” Something you could relate to were you an artist yourself. It was 1957, and the country was a much different place then. Don’t try to conform the ’50s to fit into the mentalities of 2008.

Kerouac inspired me like no other has done before, and it’s not because he was a drinker, or a jerk, or jock, or merchant marine. It’s because when he used his talent, it was magic. He wove wondrous tales of life in the U.S., filling many hearts with joy, inspiration and a desire to see the world, and truly live, and yet you get hung up on the personal life, that is completely separate from the legacy of his books, his art. You have really missed the point of art all together. That’s sad.