Our tradition started with Rosebud's, and we've had the same owner for the past 22 years. We started with Collapsing Lungs, Marilyn Manson, Saigon Kick, Green Day, Ugly Kid Joe, et cetera. Not to mention that we always have been a promoter and supporter of local rock 'n' roll. We have done as many as 25 local acts a week over past years and continue the tradition today. I find it sad and disappointing that a writer of Jeff's caliber would slander my club. If he ever gets out from behind his desk and decides to do some actual fact-finding, I'll be more than happy to have him as my guest at any upcoming concert. Perhaps he'd like to attend Dee Snider of Twisted Sister on September 14, or Living Colour on September 15.
I have also been the owner of Christopher's Nightclub for the past 22 years. Every act that comes to play the Factory dines at Christopher's and stays in a Marriott hotel. We spare no expense.
Michael Gagliardi
owner, The Factory
Fort Lauderdale
Would you like your tyke sunny-side up? I just finished Eydie Cubarrubia's article, "Gravy Train," in your August 16 issue. Hmmm, yes. Well. Let me take a deep breath and get my emotions under control so that I can be civilized about this. OK. I'm ready.
The tone of the article came across as I can't believe we're spending all this money on, of ALL things, DOG parks" while poor children everywhere are in need of a place to play. Oh sniff, whine, sob! Well excuse me! Did Eydie ever stop to think that there are hundreds of thousands of dog owners in the state of Florida? And that a large number of those owners don't think of those dogs as, well, gee, DOGS..., that in fact, those animals are every bit as much our children as your little two-legged brats? If not more so?? And no, this isn't misplaced love by some bleeding heart who's used her dogs as surrogates for the children she was never able to have. More like chose not to have. Did Eydie ever stop to think that many of us have been paying $2000 to $3000 (and more) in property taxes year after year after year without complaining that a portion of those dollars is going to put human children through schools, even though some of us don't have any kids of the two-legged variety? Some human children spend their days dissing the teachers -- that is, when they even bother to show up for class.
Well, all I can say is that it's nice to see my tax dollars going toward my kids for a change.
Would Eydie be bitching and trying to start a ruckus -- and don't tell me she isn't trying to rile people up 'cause she sure did a good job of it with me -- if those dollars were being spent on parks for two-legged kids? Why is it that I get the impression she would think that expense perfectly acceptable? She alludes to the fact that there are already places for us to take our pets (beaches??) where they're free to roam and play to their little furry hearts' content. But the fact is, and I noticed she glossed over this, that the beaches (1) are not enclosed, safe areas (in fact they're the equivalent of letting a two-legged child run free next to I-95), and (2) the number of areas (not to mention their size) is very limited. Oh, and if I remember correctly, there are also restrictions as to when you're allowed to frequent them, et cetera.
But hey, I'm reasonable, so fine, no problem. I'll tell you what -- she's right. It's an outrageous, extravagant waste of taxpayer funds and should be done away with! No problem! I'll go along with that. But in exchange... no more tax dollars toward schools. Or daycare. Or after-school programs or, hell, even lunch programs for underprivileged kids. And how about all those tax dollars going to save the juvenile delinquents running around this great state? Let's just go ahead and fry the little bastards before they become even more of a drain on society. C'mon Eydie, whaddya say? Is it a deal?
Robin Riley
via the Internet
After analyzing him: I found the comments of Bishop John David Alder of the European American Episcopal Church very interesting in your August 9 letters section. Although I was once a member of the Episcopal Church, I quite frankly have never heard of this branch. That being said, I felt the tone and content of Bishop Alder's statements required a response based upon logic and reason. I wonder how much interaction Bishop Alder has with Egyptian people? In my interactions with Egyptians, they feel that skin color is not an issue. The issue of ancient Egyptians' skin color has its origins in the attitudes of American and European scholarship toward African people, which developed during the slave trade. First Egypt is, and always was, an African nation. It is located in the continent's northeast region near Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. There are many books on the subject of Africa, two of which I've recently read. They are: Ancient Egypt Light of the World, Volumes I and II (1907) by Gerald Massey and Africa to 1875 (1970) by Robin Hallet. Both present clear proof that Egypt's origins lie in the Nile valley -- in an ancient civilization in Nubia (also known as Meroë).
My point in writing this letter is not to exalt any specific group. Nor is it to denigrate anyone. But what I do want to say is that confronting hatred and intolerance requires an understanding of its source(s) and an analytical, not emotional approach. America is more than 200 years old, and with the extensive history of miscegenation that has and continues to occur, there is absolutely no excuse (especially in a region as diverse as South Florida) for the persistence of this sickness! I can only continue to hope that we will wake up and find a cure for this source of spiritual decay!
Timothy Stinson
Miami
The bishop has soul: Recently, while passing through the city of Port St. Lucie on a trip to the east coast, I picked up a copy of your paper. I really like the layout and am writing to compliment you on a job well done.
Also I want to comment on Bishop Alder's letter. Now, I don't consider myself better than any man of any race. Nor do I have the power to oppress anybody of any color, but I must say I agree with Bishop Alder 110 percent.
The problem today is that unlimited immigration is slowly leading our country down the path of destruction. With the admittance of masses of immigrants comes more crime, disease, and taxes. So I agree with Bishop Alder. Shouldn't those white liberals from South Africa take the next flight back to their "integrated paradise" and set an example for the rest of us poor white peons who are too ignorant to realize the joy of living under black rule?
Paul Lloyd
Bartow, Florida
