Agree to a little expression

Dear editor:

This is in response to Mr. Heinen's letter in last week's paper.

Mr. Heinen, you made some good points. I do agree completely about excessive dog barking. I do agree the owners should get the barking under control. Also, that dogs need to be treated with love and respect. A little problem would be a dog owner getting visited by the police for the dog barking excessively while the owner is at work.

I also agree with the car radios blaring. This prevents the driver from hearing emergency vehicles or another driver honking to avoid an accident. I feel these drivers should be cited. But, the loud radios are played by more adults than children. There are times I hear the music before seeing the vehicle -- what gets me more than the loud music is the language.

I don't agree with you about bands in the park. There are plenty of trees to muffle the sound. After all, driving down American Legion you really don't hear it until you are right behind the make shift stage. The only message being sent is the freedom of speech and expression. Besides it is only for like two hours or so. I think it is a good idea. Lets the community get to know the local talent we have and it is once a week. Why must everything that you think is noisy be taken out of town? The turnout in the park for these events are pretty darn good. Most of those spectators walk for some exercise. I don't see it as being disrespectful but as families and friends doing something together and having fun. There is absolutely nothing wrong with fun and togetherness.

There really isn't too much to do in Mountain Home so when the community does come up with these ideas it is a good thing. At least give it a shot and see what happens. You're not going to know if something will be a success unless you try it first. Most of the folks in town welcome new events. Because it is something new to go to or participate in. Also, why should these events be taken inside? Everyone needs fresh air and most folks like sitting outside in the summer.

There is room for improving things in and around Mountain Home. But give it a chance. Who knows, you might actually enjoy some of these events. I think we could use more of these events and in all our parks. Maybe things can be rotated maybe that would help you with all the noise.

Mr. Heinen, the only thing I can suggest to you for complete silence is to move to the country or the hills. Then the only noise you have is the sounds of nature. As far as respect goes -- everyone would like more but you get respect if you give respect.

I challenge the city council and our mayor to come up with other ideas for our community like the bands in the park. Maybe something can get organized with our younger citizens or maybe the different martial arts we have to put on weekly demonstrations.

What I would like to see less of is folks wanting others to conform to their way of life. Most of us like a little noise every once in awhile. I think life would get too stale if things were too quiet.

Annette McAlpin