Letter to the Editor

    
     The following is a letter to the editor that was published 2 days ago about this article that I wrote.  I cogitated for a couple of days on it and how (or if) I should respond.  I wouldn't want to take up any of the paper's space to do so (plus the author will never read anything by me anyway!) so I thought I would put it here.  At the very least, I wanted to make a few comments.

     After twice having read the article, "Is the Hummer dead (yet)?" by Krista Bocko, I will never read another article written by her.  How do you equate driving a Hummer with "seeming narcissism?"  Do you want this kind of judgmental diatribe associated with Current in Noblesville.  This article is categorized as commentary, not intended to be used as a bully pulpit.  Or is it?  Have we moved from the purpose of a news publication to inform and bring new information?  Backed by facts, maybe the personal opinions of Ms. Bocko would deserve literary respect.  I find her use of the opportunity to speak via the Current not only narcissistic, but poorly deserving.  Thank you for the opportunity to bully back.  Thank God, this is still America for a while longer.  --Barbara Purvis

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"How do you equate a Hummer with seeming narcissism?"  First, I don't know any Hummer drivers, so yes, I'm generalizing, but wonder how Hummer owners can in good conscience drive such a vehicle?  Any regard for the environment?  Any regard for how wasteful they are?  Or are they concerned solely with appearances and how they look and feel in it?  Hence, the term narcissism.  I could also have said ego-centric.  Point is, there is no need for civilians to be driving such a thing and I don't get it.

Is that judgemental then?   Well, I guess so, and to me it's a good reason.

She goes on to say I should include facts and information.  For the record, I do try to share information in my columns.  In fact, I shared the link on greasecars in my Hummer article.  And, as she notes, this is commentary.  I'm not required to inform, and I'm not a journalist.

"Backed by facts, maybe the personal opinions of Ms. Bocko would deserve literary respect."
What facts?  That Hummers get terrible MPG?   That they're annoying?  That GM required dealers to build those expensive quonset huts in order to keep their brand?  That there is no earthly need for a Hummer on these flat, paved Hamilton County roads?  This all seems like common knowledge.
And here is an analysis of 'narcissistic people' (It's called the Narcissism Epidemic--their words) and the economy.

Well hey, I'm grateful for free speech.  And PS--I really don't try to make people mad.  Really.  I'm a pretty diplomatic, peace loving person.  However, I don't think all things are equal or reasonable and I do like to express my opinion.  So there ya go.