Here's part of the backlash I hope for (Letters to the Editor, Juneau Empire):

"I am writing in regards to your front page story last Sunday (June 19) about Steve Earle performing at the Haines Fair. I'm sorry, but I feel it was a very unprofessional story, and frankly I am very confused as to why it was even in the paper, much less why it was front page material.

"The story seemed to offer a variety of various people's opinions, mostly negative, but never once did you place any of the artist's lyrics that were supposed to be so controversial. It seemed to me that you state in your story all of the alleged problems with this artist without ever offering any proof of your allegations.

"Someone's opinion of an artist, which was apparently gained by going "on the Internet to find out a little about him," is not a valid reason for any of us to cancel a Grammy-nominated performer, and deny a large majority of enjoying his performance. I believe one of the qualities of a great artist is their ability to create a stir of emotions inside one's self and others, sometimes causing people to think about life issues and stories. It seems to me Steve Earle has been successful at this, allowing Mr. Palmer to consider his own philosophies, but to accuse a person of being associated with the likes of the Nazis is not only very insulting, but pure stupidity. My first response was to laugh, but then I realized he was being serious. This is sad.

"I think you did a very bad job of covering the story, or at least covering the story of the artist. After reading your story, one would think we should keep our kids locked in the house with ear plugs on the nights of the fair. I myself have never been to the fair in my seven years of living here, but I guarantee that this year I will attend and gladly give my support to the festivities along with the "Marxist" performance of Steve Earle. I think I'll go and judge him based on what I see and hear him sing, not by what I read in your paper.".

Craig Cline

Skagway