This letter is in response to a letter from Patrick Cunningham.

Mr. Cunningham, I do not know you but I pity you. I pity you for your bitter and mean-spirited comment about Al Batt. Do you know Mr. Batt? He is one of the most down-to-earth and friendly guys you could ever hope to meet. His comments are always earthy but true. 

I think Al Batt probably has as much pride in his country as I do, and as do most other Americans. Oh, yes, our country has made mistakes — who hasn’t? — and there have been tough times along with the good times. But we are still a country to be proud of and to support in good times and bad. If you were not thrilled watching the inauguration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, then I really feel sorry for you. Do you not realize how many countries envy us and would dearly love to have a transistion of power as smooth and peaceful and gracious as ours was? 

What “kids are cheats and liars”? Not the ones I know. The ones I know are serving their country, just as their fathers and grandfathers did. They are overseas to prevent that “wave that is yet to come” from reaching our shores.

Al Batt knows that. He knows that he grew up in a great country that can take his ribbing and sense of humor and laugh right along with him. It is too bad you can’t.

Joyce Rhody

Albert Lea