The Message Was ‘Fun’ Not ‘Violence’

To the Editor:

In response to Michele Weinstein’s letter called “Inappropriate Mixed Messages,” on September 6, about the Labor Day Parade I have the following to say.

1.) All the vehicles that were military in the parade are privately owned by local people in the Newtown area that enjoy the military vehicle hobby.

2.) These collectors of military vehicles are from all religions — political parties and races plus ages.

3.) That being said — my vehicle, a 1965 Kaiser/Jeep 2½ ton truck was the one throwing out plastic toys including 2,000 plastic soldiers — 100 small American flags and about 200 plastic bullets.

4.) I assure you that there was no hidden agenda to target toddlers and kids into joining our military — as a matter of fact I gave strict directions to the kids in the back of my truck not to throw these items to small kids!

5.) It was ultimately up to the parents, Mrs Wienstein, to let their kids have or not have any favors thrown out to them.

6.) I’m surprised that you didn’t try to stop the street venders with their carts selling toys — including rubber knives, tomahawks plus plastic guns.

7.) Should we remove our town logo the rooster with bullet holes in it? Is that sending out “mixed messages?”

8.) Mrs Wienstein — the military vehicles with their guns were all you saw on the surface — but three vehicles back and one in front of me carried veterans wounded in action — one who lost a leg in World War II.

9.) It’s sad that people like you always think there is a hidden agenda behind everything! When I threw out the toys I was thinking fun — not violence and politics as you thought!

10.) When kids see a fire truck or ambulance or military vehicle they understand the job it serves. Military vehicles by nature — Mrs Wienstein, represent the job nobody wants to do but somebody has to “theory.”

11.) About two years ago I built a cannon for the VFW in town for free with the idea that it would be appreciated and not looked at as a violent thing — sending kids into a frenzy.

12.) In closing, I respect Mrs Wiensteins opinions — but she needs to get the facts and not speak for the entire town!

I would welcome some positive response to the military vehicles in the parade!

Perplexed by some people

Richard M. Blomberg

32 Brushy Hill Road, Newtown                           September 18, 2005