Dear Atrios,

I've been reading your site pretty much since you started, and I think you are performing an invaluable service; I only wish the mainstream media did such a good job of political reporting. That's why I'm writing to ask: what is with this "Mars, bitches" stuff? I cringe every time I see it; it's a jarring note on an otherwise excellent site. I know it started with Bush mangling the space program, and I'm sure the intent is humor. Nonetheless, it's a highly public use of sexist language, and inherently damaging in a culture that still treats women as second class citizens in many ways.

I hope you'll think about ditching that particular expression.

Sincerely, etc.