October 24, 2005
I came into the office this Monday morning expecting the worst. Last Friday we received some very nasty phone calls with cancellations and abuse for our staff. I spent a good part of the weekend wondering and worrying just how bad it would get.

This morning I received this Email:

"I'm sure you'll get hate mail about the ‘gay western’ theme in the Nov/Dec magazine so wanted to say thank you for being willing to address the subject. As both a reader and an advertiser I value the articles about the 'true' west, especially if it breaks down stereotypes. Thanks for your courage!"
—Richard Beal, Beal’s Cowboy Buckles
www.bealscowboybuckles.com

More gay, or should that be 'shmay' fallout?

"Gay, shmay--Neil Williams has zeroed in on the real controversy in the latest issue of True West. Namely, Johnny Boggs, whatchoo smokin', son? My Darling Clementine is his favorite Wyatt Earp movie? If a fellow's going to hold those kind of socially unacceptable notions, he's got to be prepared to defend 'em. Skin that Mont Blanc and blaze away, Boggs!

"Shocking as that was, however, it wasn't enough to make me cancel my subscription."
—Emma Bull

"These kinds of emails make all the crap almost worth it."
—Charlie Waters, veteran newspaperman

We’ve got a new poll question up. How do you view Kit Carson? Go vote!
a. Intrepid scout and soldier
b. Genocidal Indian hater
c. TV Western hero

"Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference."
—Old Vaquero Saying