Every now and then a controversial topic comes up on these pages, especially in the context of Internet rumormongering. Needless to say (and to put it mildly), not everyone agrees with my commentary on these matters. In the interests of equal time, this week's column is dedicated to some of those irrepressible and ever-so-polite voices of dissent. (You know who you are.)

By topic:

'Lights Out' Gang Initiation Rite:

"I find it somewhat insulting that this story of "headlight flashing/gang initiation" is listed under the heading of 'Urban Legends.' I don't know what Pleasantville YOU live in, but here in Southern California gangs and their idiot ideas of 'handling' things is a daily nightmare! Just about EVERY DAMN DAY someone is shot or shot at here in the Southland, and the targets doesn't always involve gang members. In case you're not aware of our local news, kids, students, tourists, motorists, couples, elderly people have all made the LEGITIMATE NEWS by being shot and killed...... and that's just in the last TWO WEEKS!

"You would serve the community (and yourself) well by removing the snide attitude connected to this REAL LIFE daily tragedy!"

Email Petition for Afghan Women's Rights:

"How off-handed and crass to place information which is 'accurate and the cause worthy' under the category of 'Urban Legends and Folklore!' If the Internet is not a suitable medium for the dissemination of information regarding serious or important issues, then what is it good for? 'Chain letter,' indeed!"

Instant Messages Steal AOL Passwords

"I would have to say you're an idiot, get your facts straight, people can steal AOL passwords through Instant Messages, and they can also steal them by sending an e-mail and they get my password info the second I open it. I had it happen on Feb. 10. Then a few days later the kid was in under my account. So yes, it can happen, so I suggest you take your false stories off the internet. Don't think you know everything."

Email Warning on Aspartame:

"I have no idea how you can twist the truth and continue to let aspartame harm over 200 million clueless victims around the world... and still sleep at night. The aspartame poisoning tragedy pales Stalin and his 20 million exterminated Russian citizens, and relegates Hitler (and his six million exterminated Jews) to an 'also-ran' rating in the genocide category."

* * *

"Monsanto Chemical Co., manufacture of the worst poison on this earth will answer to GOD for making a product that is causing the worst disease ever known to man, Aspartame disease and world epidemic according to Dr. Roberts, M.D.!!

"One more caution, the FDA and you, if you continue to fight the truth will also answer for thousands of people being sick and dying!!"

* * *

"It is my hope that you take a balanced look at this issue. There remains some doubt, however, that you are really in any position to act fairly. I have a sneaking suspicion that Mining Company is not in a financial position to act independently in this matter. I bet there is someone on your board or in your management who has ties to Monsanto. Could that be the case?"

* * *

"I've been able to verify some of the information presented in the email, and think that you have an obligation to do the same, rather than simply listening to the Monsanto "Team Aspartame." This makes me wonder how much financial support you receive from this corporation.

"Either your head is in the sand, or you are bought and paid for. Either way, you need to wake up because this is a serious issue which is now a breaking news story. Please rethink your position or you may end up in litigation."

Note: URL most often cited in defense of the "aspartame equals death" thesis:  http://www.dorway.com

Tommy Hilfiger's Alleged Racist Statements:

"You need to contact Oprah and get the truth about "Tommy RacistFigure." I watched the show and he did basically say those things, maybe not word for word but close enough to be correct. I noticed you did not have any link or mention of contacting the Oprah Show. I guess you're afraid of the TRUTH."

'David Lawitts' Chain Letter Hoax:

"I was searching Excite for my name when I came across your page. So you want to know if I'm real?  I WILL KICK YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"