Letter to the Editor

Band leader upset he was rejected

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Dear editor:

To start this off, I am a 28-year Vietnam-era Air Force veteran who has called Mountain Home home since 1972. I have owned a bar, delicatessen, remodel business and currently have one of the best bands in southern Idaho.

I was recently informed (three weeks ago) that a band was needed for Air Force Appreciation Day, so I inquired. I was told "we couldn't find you." I thought that was pretty funny seeing how I can be found by most everyone in town who wants to find me, from the mayor to the sheriff and everyone in between.

The point is my band consists of retired military members with a combined 54 years of service, to be overlooked in such a transparent way is a very hard thing to take, and to insult my intelligence with "we couldn't find you" leaves a lot to be desired.

I think some people should consider what subtle but not so subtle messages they send. I for one had thought we had got beyond this compared to when I first got here, but apparently we have not -- and to tell me we would like to keep your name and number for next year is a joke -- and that joke is on you, and to go out of town to fill the bill is an insult not only to me but to the other retired people. Wake up and smell the roses. This is 2009.

Carl Holmes