Posted by David Apolloni on February 12, 2001 at 07:12:18:
Dear Leslie,
I realize that you set up this board for discussion
of Burns' JAZZ, but, speaking for myself, at least, it was far more than that. It provided support. Some parts of the music and some of the musicians who have been so important for me for many years seemed under attack. I needed a place to express my feelings, get some sympathy, and even have others question me when I may have gone overboard. Your discussion board provided this.
Throughout this experience, it has led me to question some of the ways I've viewed jazz, and it showed me very clearly how some others view it. It has led me to value it more, to realize more clearly what I already knew--that it needs support, and that it could very well be lost.
I went through various stages of distress and outright anger--that letter to PBS was the high (or low) point--a letter for which I got a written apology from PBS. (The jist of this was that they had not intended to offend anyone.)
To Arnett and to others who took views I disagreed with, I apologize if I got somewhat heated sometimes. Some people liked the documentary, I also understand, and were capable of seeing the glass as half full where I and others were not. I also hope that the "half full" people will understand what I suspect, that the rest of us needed this place to complain and even whine.
Thanks again to all!