I am not a clod
What a bunch of erroneous claptrap! ["The muckraker of Coppell," December 1]. Arthur Kwast was not a "former engineer" on my last visit to his office nor did an outgoing councilmember present Mr. Moore his "Team Wacko" cap. This cap was designed by Mr. Walter Pettijohn and myself and given away to various citizens as a joke. If Moore feels slighted by being given one of these caps, then he should by all means return it.
I was asked to join in this interview conducted by your reporter. Knowing that I would be portrayed as some old tobacco-chewing, bib overall-wearing clod, I declined the invitation. An aside: I do not chew, smoke, or dip tobacco or wear bib overalls, nor do I consider myself a clod.
Perhaps this type of slanted journalism might entertain your urban Dallas readers, but it did nothing except libel the hardworking, honest citizens of Coppell who see wrong and try to right it.
R.G. Harrell
Coppell
Editor's note: Kent Moore says an outgoing councilman dubbed his critics "Team Wacko," but that it was the critics--not the councilman--who had a gimme cap bearing those words made.
The inaccurate photo-caption reference to Arthur Kwast as a "former" engineer resulted from an editor's error.
Poooor Jean Murph! Apparently the shoe is on the other foot this time. I remember all too well the yellow journalism that Ms. Murph threw at City Hall in the early 1980s. Isn't it ironic that she felt hurt and indignant over the attacks levied against her by Kent Moore? She took much pride in many of her baseless allegations against City Hall and individuals back then.
Though I've long since moved from Coppell, I can say that small-town politics has always been a vicious, sometimes meanspirited game, especially when a newspaper takes sides--Jean Murph ought to know.
Incidentally, Coppell wouldn't be the "city with a future" today if it were not for the dreams and leadership of Andy Brown in the early '80s. Coppell's school system, city master plan, and City Hall are just a few of his accomplishments. You either loved him or hated him, but everyone agrees that Coppell owes its future to Andy Brown's vision and leadership.
Andy Norton
Dallas
Edie's silent treatment
As a long-time New Bohemians fan and Dallas Observer reader, I could have guessed Robert Wilonsky's review of their reunion concert ["Beating time," December 1] would be negative before I even read it.
I attended both nights and can say with conviction that the entire experience was well worth my 50 bucks--not only to hear songs I thought I'd never hear again, but for the cause the concert promoted. Jahdene Blount must have been incredibly loved for her tragic death to have pulled the community together in such a way. Wilonsky's criticism of the crowd's somewhat mellow reaction undermines the fact that for many, this was not an entirely happy occasion.
As for Wilonsky's comment that Edie didn't speak much with the crowd, what did he want her to do--a table dance? If he'll recall, it's never been Edie's style to "bond" with the audience. Her incredibly poetic lyrics, however, have always served that purpose very well. These talented musicians should be admired for putting aside whatever differences they might have had in the past, and giving something back to the city.
So, Mr. Wilonsky and Dallas Observer, come clean and answer the question that comes to my mind every time a blurb about the New Bohemians appears in your paper: what'd they ever do to you?
Rebecca Mayhew
Dallas
Racist cartoon?
I have been a reader of your publication for years and have thoroughly enjoyed every issue with one exception--your December 1 issue. This Tom the Dancing Bug cartoon [Comics] was extremely racist toward whites and not the least bit entertaining.
We need to live in the present and stop blaming everything on our ancestors and "the man."
John Cain
Dallas
