Letter to the Editor correction from July 12

Editor’s note: In the previous letter to the editor from Bonnie Norris, the first two paragraphs of the letter were comments made from Edward Kelly, Jr. in the July 5 edition and were not the words of Bonnie Norris. Norris’ letter is being reprinted with the correct wording. The Red Oak Express apologizes for this error.

To the Editor:

Reference Wednesday, June 28, 2023, ‘Red Oak Express’ article by Nick Johansen, “Council Hears Citizen’s Concerns on Local Drag Shows.”
I am an adult older woman citizen of Red Oak. First, it is more upsetting to see ¾ of an entire page taken up by this negative subject, than the “drag” show itself! Therefore, I need to express another point of view.

The City of Red Oak was officially founded in 1869. When was the City Code, Chapter 125 written, and who wrote it? Since we are now living in the 21st century, perhaps the entire City Code should be reviewed and brought into this century as well?

In regard to children being adversely influenced and hurt by seeing a “drag” show, we might hope most children have parents who set boundaries.

Plus, in this paper, I have not seen comments of a concerned citizen regarding the proliferation of assault weapons.  Guns, not drag shows, adversely hurt and affect many children’s lives every day.
I attended the drag show Sunday, June 25.  Was it rowdy, raucous and raunchy?  You bet.  But the crowd were all adults.  We had a fun, hilarious time.  The “queens” were wonderful and beautiful.
When talk of banning the freedom to perform, to enjoy any form of entertainment, to even read a book, it reeks of bigotry and discrimination.

Bonnie Norris
 Red Oak