Hoedowns should return to all country, all the time

Re "Showdown at Hoedowns?" (news, March 30):

I honestly believe ben elliot under-estimates the number of regulars he has upset with his changes. I would be willing to wager that by March 2008, country music will be gone from Hoedowns, or Ben Elliot will.

As a longtime Hoedowns patron (since it opened), I no longer frequent the bar. Spin it however you like, it is no longer Hoedowns. The crowd I used to know and love do not go there anymore, and that is what I'll miss more than anything. Hoedowns had a great run in Atlanta and achieved a national notoriety, but alas, all good things must end.

I just found out from a Hoedowns employee that Hoedowns, the country bar, will only have country music on Thursday and Saturday. Those will be the only nights that are exclusively country, and they've already failed that on Saturdays so far. Hmmm, no changes to country roots — What the hell is this?

It's a shame to see the tradition at Hoedowns going down the tubes in the name of increased revenue. The article made it seem like the only folks in favor of the new changes are people who earn money from the increased revenue. The new co-owner insisted that the negative comments were coming from a few people. If that is truly the case, this will blow over. If not, well, then, these western boots were made for walking and the place will go under. What a shame.

Drag. Cover charge. Not advertising that Leslie Jordan costs $25. Hoedowns is turning into a sleazy ho.

Support Hoedowns — and each other

It may be a "country" bar, but does all the "country" dancing pay the bills and support the bar? I don't frequent the bars much anymore because of all the drama (and my girlfriend's ex.) Everything is a crisis, everything is disrespect… All gays should try and get along more.

Gender identity isn't a job qualification

Re "Fla. city manager fired for being transgender" (news, March 30):

I just don’t understand what all the controversy is about. As a man or a woman, I am sure Mr. Stanton's record speaks for itself. His gender should have no effect on his post as city manager. In fact, I'm sure he could do his job more efficiently by becoming the person he needs to be, and finally finding peace within himself. To me, this is a case of discrimination, pure and simple. I wish Mr. Stanton all the best in life.

At least Pace is consistent; No Soapbox for anti-gays

Re "Generals comments about bigotry, not morality" (Soapbox, March 30):

You have to give pace credit for consistency. Now the Marines are banning large tattoos as being contrary to traditional values. You can't just be an efficient killing machine. You must be uniform, figuratively and literally.

Why are people against homosexuals serving in the military commenting here? Why does anyone that is against gay rights read a gay newspaper? Some may say it's spying on what we're doing. But one has to ask why someone so deeply against homosexuality is also so consumed and obsessed with it? Are there deeper issues that you're unwilling to confront in yourself?

Michael Savage sparks some savage comments

Re "Savage 'freak' show' (Action Alert, March 30):

his comments are nasty and cruel but [transsexuals] are classified as "crazy" with gender identity disorder in order to get the sex change. So in a way, they are nuts.

A Jew is calling us names? We need to fight this kind of bigotry with whatever means necessary. Even if it means we bring up their race. This failure to recognize our contribution to society needs correcting!

Michael Savage is right. Go back into the closet, and he will go away!