Rant and Rave

Published 2:58 pm Tuesday, December 6, 2005

For Nov. 21



Sideline factor

“I don’t think the Packers would be looking at a lack of talent in the future if they would let more boys play — until you are a senior you stand on the sidelines in a nice clean uniform. One of our best kickers quit this year because he never got used. This is not hear-say. Just look at the sidelines. All of those boys and they never get on the field.”



You are lucky

“Good Morning from Atlanta: I am from Moultrie and I have read with puzzlement some of the criticisms of the band program. You should see our bands up here. They just get out on the field and dance to a drum beat. It is embarrassing to all of the fans.

“You are so lucky to have your band. I saw them at the competition in Cumming last month and they are really entertaining as well as precise.

“I think they placed third against bands that were much bigger and that compete every weekend.”



Jazz band

“Many thanks to the Jazz Band for playing at the recent football game. In addition, it was wonderful to see the upcoming middle school students on the field! Looks like a wealth of talent coming up from the feeder program.

“And congratulations to the seniors. In a community where the dropout rate in school is so high, you have not only finished school but distinguished yourselves by putting in many, many extra hours. Good luck in the future.”



Be proud

“I try to ignore the rants and raves, telling myself that real people write letters and sign their names … but I guess I have lowered myself to the level of the others by placing this comment: Band members, I sit near you at football games and I listen and watch you support the team. I see how tired you are after playing stand cheers over and over in an attempt to try to get the Packers to win. I see your tears when they lose.

“I have visited your band room and tried to count the trophies you have won and gave up after realizing there were too many. You have been judged superior by professionals all over the country during competitions — people who really know what they are talking about.

“You not only support the team, you do several concerts a year, travel and compete, march in every community parade on holidays when other kids are off with their families, raise money to keep your program going while sports are supported by the school system.

“In a high school where kids drop out like flies, your program graduates 25 to 30 seniors a year — a remarkable accomplishment.

“I know it hurts when frustrated, uneducated football fans criticize you, but remember, you have a life beyond the football stands and your experience in band will help you throughout your life. Be proud.”



Overhead

“From my standpoint as a small business owner in Moultrie, the occupational tax is part of my overhead.

“As my overhead typically increases from year to year, it should be expected that the occupational tax would increase.

“I think the people complaining want something for nothing, and the City Commissioners are just delaying a decision they will have to make later.”