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 V.18 No.24 | June 11 - 17, 2009 

Letters

To Pride, With Love

Dear Alibi,

Kelly's Brewpub fully supports all the efforts, participants and spectators of the Albuquerque Pride Parade. There has been some misinformation to the contrary. I have met with board members of the Albuquerque Pride Parade and members of the community to personally express our support and regret any misunderstanding.

For as long as there has been Kelly's in Nob Hill, and as long as there has been a Pride Parade on Central, there has been a mutual admiration, respect and good time by all. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who work so hard to bring this first-class attraction to our front door. We can only strive to duplicate that hard work in superior food and service to make everyone's parade experience a pleasure.

Kelly's and the Pride Board will be working together to make this event even more productive and enjoyable in the future.

Dennis Bonfantine

Owner, Kelly's Restaurant

Public Comments (5)
  • The damage is done!  [ Fri Jun 12 2009 1:48 AM ]

    Unfortunately as a member of the GLBT community I don't feel that there was any kind of misunderstanding. It was loud and clear that we are only tolerated every second Saturday of the year for Pride, and we were also referred to as "you people". This implies that even if Kelly's Brewpub is willing to accommodate the GLBT community on pride day so we consume and you get to keep our gay money, there is no guarantee that after the Pride celebration or prior to the next one we will be treated with respect and dignity at your business. I think respect is earned and our community has worked very hard to gain that respect; feeling regret for a "misunderstanding" doesn't mean an apology. On the other hand, I do feel sorry, sorry that you wont be receiving our patronage anymore.

    In the true spirit of Pride.

  • Not an apology, not denying the sentiment, it doesn't work that way.  [ Fri Jun 12 2009 3:04 AM ]

    Kelly's, you insult us by thinking we can be bought back so easily. To me, this letter sounded insincere and weaselly. Your owner should have addressed what was said, what was meant, what was misunderstood, and most of all, how your business really does feel about the GLBT community. You failed to do any of that, and only addressed how you feel about making money off of them. It was a safe answer that takes no sides, and says nothing of value. If the owner feels that a wrong has been done to us, why didn't he address it and what will become of the person who did say such horrible things? What kind of attitude will we be greeted with if we were to go to your business?

    These were the important issues, not your desire to not lose business.

    The GLBT community is not a group of animals to be herded around and taken advantage of, but people who deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and, in your case, appreciation (our patronage does allow your business to do well, does it not?). I leave you with this quote, which expresses my feelings on this well:

    “I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.” -Desmond Tutu


    Last edited [6/12/09 3:07 AM]
  • GET OVER IT!!!  [ Fri Jun 12 2009 8:51 AM ]

    Just because one stupid bigot pulls his head out of his arse and starts rambling doesnt mean everyone has to get all in a tiffy. By doing this you further cement the concrete stereo-types they have about GLBT lifestyle. Way to go Luis. Good Job.

  • "Superior food"  [ Fri Jun 12 2009 9:26 AM ]

    Is that what you call deep fried crap? Whether it's the beer or food there, my stomach is fucked for the rest of the day.

  • Apology Missing - More a Plea to Patronize  [ Sun Jun 14 2009 11:02 AM ]

    Sorry, Dennis Bonfantine, to say what happened was a misunderstanding glosses over the homophobia of the manager's words and actions. You have not apologized, let alone made up for the ugly actions of your manager. Try again if you want me and probably most of the LGBTIQ community and its allies to re-evaluate your business' response to our community.

 

Health Care, Small and All

Dear Alibi,

As a small business owner, one of my top concerns is health insurance. Right now, I simply can’t afford it. That leaves my employees unable to get medical care if they get sick. Unable to get back to work right away, people are forced to take time off, and small business owners like me are left scrambling to cover their shifts, which is sometimes impossible to do. So we end up working twice as hard. I don’t have insurance for myself, either. I have some health issues that need to be taken care of, but no way of getting it done because of the cost, and the longer I wait the greater the risk of a big doctor’s bill.

Small businesses need to stand together to make health care work for us—this year. We need more affordable costs, and we need real choices. I support the idea of giving everyone a choice between private insurance and a public health insurance plan. With the economy the way it is, we need to fix health care to allow small businesses to create more jobs and hasten the recovery.

Our members of Congress need to hear from us. They’re beginning to debate health care reform in Washington, D.C., so now is the time to make our voices heard. So, pick up the phone and call Congress. We’ve all got to do our part to make health care work.

Cecilia Baca

Owner, Cecilia’s Café

Public Comments
     

    Small Town Alums

    Dear Alibi,

    [Re: Feature, "What's a Feminist Like You Doing in a Place Like This?" May 21-27] Your story was fantastic. I have never written in before and am an avid Alibi fan since 2002. The writing was great; not just the facts you gave. I truly enjoyed your explanation of your relationship with the small town as I feel the same way (different town). Thank you!

    Denise Gutierrez

    Public Comments
       

      Coal Plants ’R’ Us

      I was promoting renewable and green energy the other day when a gentleman earnestly told me that if I was “promoting building new oil refineries,” then he’d be in support.

      Why!?

      Right now, new renewable energy is just as cost-effective as new coal plants, and every time you fill your car up, you support oil. If renewable energy can create jobs in New Mexico, why would anyone be against it? That’s not even considering that investing in renewable energies creates at least 1.5 times as many jobs as investing in the same amount of coal.

      There is absolutely no reason every person in America shouldn’t be for clean, renewable energy. Let’s create new jobs and cut pollution.

      Tyler Bushnell

      Letters should be sent with the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number via e-mail to letters@alibi.com. They can also be faxed to (505) 256-9651. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium; we regret that owing to the volume of correspondence we cannot reply to every letter. Word count limit for letters is 300 words.

      Public Comments
         
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