From: Frank WHITESIDE ('63)

Re: Sandstorm Extra that might be political
    Political ? Extra

I guess the day has come when the discussion of a social problem
or a mention of "government" or "politicians" in historical
perspective as a "personal observation of my own life since
graduation in 1963," is unacceptable because a few individuals
who obviously disagree, start making wild accusations. I thank
those who supported my observations, but will not apologize to
those who deliberately twisted and misconstrued my article. 

I take exception to the individual who stated that I said that
"the Beatles, hippies and free love," caused the problems I
referred to in my article. Obviously, this person didn't
understand that I was referring to the drastic social changes
that came with the advent of these things... a turning point in
history. This person may need to consider the "lobotomy" that he
mentioned if he can twist/parse my words into something I didn't
mean as he did. In fact, during that time I lived in San
Francisco and knew lots of hippies. Lenny Bruce was still alive
and "The Doors" and "Jefferson Airplane" were playing in local
auditoriums.

The other person who commented in a very negative manner, called
my observations a "rant, racist, and simplistic," and that I 
was "spewing hate and fear." As a comedian, I guess he doesn't
support the 1st Amendment for some people who have contrary
beliefs to his own, but is okay with those who agree with him.
I'm quite sure he has heard of Lenny Bruce, the San Francisco
comedian, who was persecuted for the language that he used in 
his acts. After viewing some of this person's You Tube videos, I 
think he may have suffered the same persecution as Lenny Bruce,
who later died of a drug overdose. I still own the book about 
his life, called "The Essential Lenny Bruce." It was Lenny that
helped make it possible for comedians to use the off-color
language and include vulgar behavior in their acts. I notice that
this person calls a number of his videos "rants." Everything he
does, I support... 1st Amendment. As for "racist and simplistic"
... where did I mention RACE? [As a teacher] my kids were of all
races. Simplistic is in the eyes of the beholder. HATE and FEAR?
What a crock!! To have an opinion that bears out in historical
fact and supported by daily observations over thirty years hardly
meets the criteria of hate and fear. I think the only hate and
fear are in his own mind against those who have beliefs contrary
to his own. One of this person's own videos poked fun at Chinese.
Illegals who came to the U.S. and said that a common name for
Chinese women was "FAT HO." I think I smell an air of hippocracy! 

Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! 

I do apologize for the fact that my article appeared on Christmas
Eve. By the way, my wife and I are active members of a local
church that works with local charities and provides food,
clothing, and other items needed for daily survival. We
contribute financially to all of these causes regardless of race,
religion or Nationality.

Maren, if you think this will hurt the feelings of any of our
readers or if you deem it "political" put it on the separate
link.

      [Not worried about hurting feelings... just want
      political out of the Sandstorm is all.  -Maren]

-Frank WHITESIDE ('63)
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