[Dixielandjazz] OK - here is some controversy..........

[OArkas at aol.com]

Hello, Tom:
And listmates.
You know, I stayed out of the controversy, because I saw it as a "tempest in 
a teapot."   But now I must speak up.   The main thing I want to say is that I 
have never been bothered by anything Steve or Tom have said.   I have 
understood their information as something which is offered in order to be helpful.   
I have sent some messages to them off list, and they always graciously had 
something to say back that was interesting.   
Those people who made sarcastic, nasty remarks have a right to do so (free 
speech right?), but they certainly don't speak for me!   Trouble today is there 
are too many outright rude people that are "offended" by things that aren't 
offensive, except to them, but everyone is trying so hard to bend over backwards 
(pun intended) to make them happy, that the rest of us get screwed too.
Tom and Steve, don't leave the list; often, it is your comments that keep it 
alive. 
If we have anything to say, we should at least be courteous.   I believe 
these gentlemen have always been courteous.
I'm just a Greek folk clarinetist who would like to learn to play this 
American traditional music.   I've noticed, though, that the experiences and advice 
given by many on this list duplicate the experience I've had playing 
professionally for about 43 years now.   And lots of that good advice came from Steve 
and Tom.
Respectfully submitted,

John Pappas
Kalakos Music
oarkas at aol.com
www.kalakos.org