By the way, these are the two songs I’ve written that have been receiving national airplay over the past several months on radio talk shows – my “hits”. Additionally, proceeds from the CD sales of these songs are going to assist the families of Border Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who have been unjustly imprisoned by the U.S. government for allegedly shooting a known drug smuggler whom they apprehended crossing the border from Mexico with a van load of marijuana. You may click on the "Bob's Music" tab on my homepage and download these songs or purchase the CD and assist with this worthy cause. Apparently, the complainant has threatened to cause serious problems for The Atlanta Bread Company if they do not comply with his demand to terminate me. Over the several months that I’ve been performing there, Meri and I have developed a good relationship with the owners and employees of this restaurant and we value their friendship. Rob Rudloff, the owner, offered to penalize me on behalf of this particular customer, and hopefully appease him, by canceling my next two dates as opposed to letting me go permanently. As I feel I’ve done nothing wrong in this matter, I was unwilling to accept his “reprimand” offer. After some discussion and after apparently hearing from some of the other folks in attendance that evening, he did offer to try to reinstate me for those two dates, but I received notice from him this evening that for whatever reason he was unable to do so. It was ultimately my decision to terminate my relationship with The Atlanta Bread Company. According to the reports we’ve received, I’ve been bringing in well above average business on the nights I’ve performed at The Atlanta Bread Company. In addition, we’ve all had a good time and this is the only complaint I’ve ever received there. I must say, that if I were in the owners’ shoes I would simply invite this customer to avoid coming into the restaurant on the nights I perform there if he so strenuously objects to my choice of music. I would compare it to his option of switching channels if he was offended by something he saw on TV. I also feel that the management could have easily diffused this situation by just coming to me and requesting that I refrain from performing the songs that were the subject of this person’s complaint. As a former business owner I could certainly respect their right to have some say in what goes on in their establishment and I would have complied. But I was judged “politically incorrect” without warning and for that there is apparently no leniency. Let me editorialize a bit by saying that I believe that “political correctness” will be the downfall of our country. We’ve been told that so many things are politically incorrect these days that we must all be afraid to open our mouths for fear that something might slip out and unintentionally offend someone. For my part, I believe that my stance on law and order and secure borders is the politically correct point of view. But, what the heck – I now get to join the ranks of such artists as The Dixie Chicks, penalized for expressing my views in a public forum. Woe to America if this is our fate! In the meantime, if you care to express your opinion on this matter, please write or call Rob Rudloff (per his suggestion) at: The Atlanta Bread Company Thanks again for your continued support – we look forward to seeing you at Carino’s on Thursday! And I understand that the person who complained about me has visited this site. If you read this please e-mail me or post a message here. I'd welcome a dialog with you to share our points of view. I'm curious as to what motivates your vitriol.
I certainly never set out to cause a controversy, and I know that the other customers who were in attendance that night will attest to the fact that I did nothing improper or offensive. I merely responded to their requests to play my “hits.” As an entertainer I have always striven to bring enjoyment to people, and I never expected that anyone would take issue with any of my material. I’m not a racist, hate monger or xenophobe and I don’t espouse any such thought in my music, during my shows or in my daily life. Anyone who listens closely to the lyrics of the songs this person objected to will realize that I’m actually chiding our government for not enforcing our laws. These songs and parodies are akin to political cartoons published in newspapers. I have an opinion on the subject and I’ve taken a humorous (in my opinion) approach to expressing that via my craft. I feel strongly that we should not allow the mindset of people like this “offended” customer to control our thoughts, actions and freedom of expression. It’s sad to say, but it seems that our very basic American values have somehow become politically incorrect and those who would erode those values have taken to using social terrorism via threats of reprisal to force their values and beliefs on the rest of us. I regret to say, that apparently The Atlanta Bread Company is willing to capitulate to these terrorist demands.
I want to thank all of you who have loyally supported The Atlanta Bread Company by attending my performances there. I ask that you to continue to support them if you are so inclined – they’re good folks who have been sadly bullied by one individual who apparently lacks a sense of humor. We have found another restaurant, Carino’s in the Lakewood Commons, that has invited me to perform this Thursday, so the party will continue!
7740 W. Alameda Avenue, Unit E
Lakewood, CO 80226
303-991-4400
303-991-4401 (Fax)
303-726-2703 (Rob’s cell)
http://www.atlantabread.com/lakewoodcitycommons/
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