Friday, March 20, 1998

Playing 'possum

I was one of the expectant fans of George Jones who paid $26 to see his show at the Civic Center. I don't think Abilene will again wonder if Jones will show up to perform. I will be surprised if he will be invited back.

He was on stage approximately one hour. During that hour his band played two solo numbers, his fiddler played two additional solo numbers, and then another guy did an Elvis rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes," changing the lyrics to a crude remark about where one should "sit" rather than "step."

If that was not enough, also during that expensive hour the audience had to endure some bitter remarks from Jones in regard to Garth and Reba needing to come down to earth and play traditional country music rather than the type of music that seems to please their fans. He further reprimanded country radio for the type of music it is playing.

If he is so upset with the trend moving away from traditional country music, why did he allow that vulgar rendition of Elvis? While I understand that Jones' feelings are hurt by the changing times, I did not pay $26 to listen to someone gripe.

If it had not been for the superb performance by Scot Williams, the young man who opened the show, the concert would have been a complete flop. I hope to hear more from him.

ZELLA FISHER

Abilene

Another for sirens

Pertaining to the March 16 letter by Gayla Ross: Hurray! A lot of other people in the "great American city" will strongly agree with her views on the tornado sirens issue.

Making restaurants out of train depots and new trolleys aren't going to do us a lot of good if we are not here to enjoy them.

I also believe the people we put into leadership should have the city's safety as their first priority, not how pretty they can make the parks and so on, because it and we can all be gone in the blink of an eye. I also believe that we the taxpayers should have a right to say.

I agree: Wake up, Abilene.

PAM MILLER

Abilene

Traffic hazards

It's pretty crazy that you come out of McDonald's and get nearly run over by someone going to Dyess Credit Union.

These kids have no care what they do. They need some supervision. But I guess there is no harassment in the military, so these kids can do what they want.

DONNY LEMMONS

Abilene

Via e-mail

Death penalty blues

When the state uses the death penalty, it says that killing is a proper way to respond to those who have wronged us. Life without parole is a better way.

Enjoyed reading your story and poll, "Support for death penalty drops" by Steve Ray on Sunday.

CHARLES RUSSELL

Abilene