MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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August 30, 2010

THE PEOPLE SPEAK: ‘Blue Jeans’ has right to write Phoenix

— In response to Marie Gassaway’s criticism of Virginia “Blue Jeans” Jenner:

Ms. Gassaway begins her criticism by making the claim that “most of us aren’t interested” in Ms. Jenner’s opinion on anything. That may be true, but how would Ms. Gassaway know what most of us want? She doesn’t have the right to speak for most of us unless she has spoken to most of us.

She also suggests that the Phoenix do us all a favor by no longer publishing Ms. Jenner’s junk. My question for Ms. Gassaway: Are you suggesting that the Phoenix deny Ms. Jenner her First Amendment right to free speech simply because you don’t want to read it any more? Here’s a more democratic way for you to handle this, Ms. Gassaway: when you see the name Virginia “Blue Jeans” Jenner at the end of a letter, simply skip it. That way you both get what you want! Simple enough.

Ms. Gassaway, you suggest that Ms. Jenner fill her days going to the elderly since they would love to hear her talk. To assume that “old folks” would love to do something that you have just said “most of us” aren’t interested in shows that you do not believe the elderly are valued members of society, rather they are the part of society where we pass off the unwanted to the neglected. Ms. Gassaway, how do you know whether they would love to hear Ms. Jenner talk? Again, you are making an assumption, and a pathetic one at that.

And finally, Ms. Gassaway, I do not know you or Ms. Jenner, but I am proud that there are women like Ms. Jenner out there keeping an eye on things and having opinions on things. I believe America needs strong women with strong opinions. I recognize that Ms. Jenner has a flair for words and tends to use hyperbole in her arguments, and thank goodness, America still allows her to share them.

Nancy Kunsman

Tahlequah

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