George-

I write in response to the incident at the softball game last Sunday. I was not there and do not pretend to have heard anything. HOWEVER. I find it impossible to believe that anyone, Democrat or Republican would "make shit up." I highly doubt that Mr. Pudhorodsky would lie about this just to cause a dust up.

I know all the politicians in our town. Mitch, Rob Bell, Tom McCrystal, David Toscano and Steve K. I know many of the activists in town from both sides of the aisle. We all know I have had some issues with politicians in general but I have never known any of these fine people to just lie outright just to cause a brouhaha or to to get votes. Because eventually, if folks lie, they're going to get caught. And then they'll be thrown out of office because the folks in this town don't really put up with the same kind of things that go on in Washington. I may be naive but this is what I believe.

Mr. Marcus probably did investigate the incident. But of course Phil Jackson isn't going to actually ADMIT that he said anything out of line. I mean, why would he? He'd get fired for sure I would hope.

I don't know what point I am trying to make exactly except this was an ugly incident and it upsets me greatly that it happened. But just because the Republicans SAY it didn't happen doesn't mean that it didn't. I'm sure it did. And if the situation was reversed and a Democrat was accused and denied it it wouldn't make it so. I think Mr. Marcus should apologize to those involved and move on.

An apology from the Republican Party is the least that could be done even if no one will admit to it. To deny it is a slap in the face of the individual this happened to and to the citizens of our town.

Just my very humble opinion.

Jan Cornell (electronic mail, August 5, 2005)