On Sept. 24, I heard such offensive venom spew out of the mouth of Scott Cox, Inga Barks’ fill-in on KERN radio, that it almost made me ashamed to live in Bakersfield. At a time when our country is uniting to heal the gash in our hearts, most people have put aside their petty politics and snide backstabbing. However, this arrogant, insensitive bozo proceeded to ridicule the entertainment industry telecast, claiming that no-talent actors only wanted to get noticed.
He also ranted that there was no need for security. Cox apparently ignored the news wires citing FBI warnings that several entertainment industry locations are prime terrorist targets and have been threatened. The telethon was an emotional, sincere effort by traumatized actors and entertainers to help a country that has given them so much. Cox may have had some valid criticisms, but it was the hatefulness in his condemnation that is so troubling.
In recent years, Bakersfield has risen above the old image of a bunch of bigoted, redneck hicks that don't care about anything but pleasing the Good Old Boys and shafting everyone who doesn't agree with them. But the fact that Scott Cox is so popular, even when he spits out such hateful rhetoric, says that Bakersfield, as a community of compassion and unity has a long way to go.
I believe that KERN Radio, Inga Barks and Scott Cox, owe our community, the entertainment industry and the victims of the Sept. 11th tragedy and apology.
-Mary Helen Barro
Runner@csubak.edu