Holly Henry: Hells Angels or quilters?

charlie t.
Two Harbors, MN     08/02/2009 4:33 PM

Looks our our local paper's new editor might have forgotten to read the history of the settlement by white folk of the American heartland. It wasn't done delicately. Sure, it's easy to get nervous - when you see leather and big machines. But have a drink with, or play a game of pool with an Angel (and make him look like he should try darts), and then accept the drink he owes you and tell him it was a good game - and maybe he'd like to play another. Then ask him what he's doing here, why he came. why he's and Angel, what he believes makes the world go round and so forth and you might just find out that the American Spirit still lives in these dudes. I've encountered these folks for 45 years, and once or twice I've made a hasty exit or called on a friend to keep some Angel from being unpleasant to me, but we share a basic commonality - we are free Americans. Isn't there anything more pressing going on in this county? Let's get some kind of newspaper capable of real journalism, not "oh dear! The Angels are coming!!" Talk to one. I thought this part of the country had the fortitude to deal with segments of society who don't wear pleated pants and buffed brown oxfords.

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ken a.
07/30/2009 4:02 PM

Dear Holly: I think the point attempted in some of the comments you aluded to is that there are no typical reporters just as there are no typical Hells Angels. Just as you might be offended by aspersions cast toward your profession based on the actions of others, it is equally unfair to attempt to classify members of any group solely on the basis of membership in that group. Were this not true, it could accurately be said that Catholic priests are pedophiles. Though there may be certain groups who espouse a single ideology and alliegance to that ideology is a requirement for membership, I for one do not think any common thread runs through the Hells Angels with the exception of the love of motorcycles and the benefit of Brotherhood. I am not a member nor do I speak on behalf of any 1 per cent club. Because I am an American citizen does not automatically imply I take responsibility for all decisions made by my Government, nor should I be judged based on the actions of other Americans. I am Caucasian but do not believe everything ALL Caucasians purport to believe. I don't know what "research" you have done, but unless and until you've taken the time to come to know someone as a human being, nothing else matters.

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