(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Dear Editor:

“I love listening to Jindal, because I swear if you didn’t know who he is, you swear it was Gomer Pyle,” the Democrat added. “We shouldn’t lower ourselves to the lowest common denominator, and that’s the brain of … Bobby Jindal.”

Interesting that the Somerville Mayor immediately reflects bad on the LA Governor, by associating him with what he thinks to be Southern redneck ignoramuses, such as Gomer Pyle and Barney Fife. The words that come to mind on reflecting on the Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle and Mayberry characters are the good natured human characteristics reflected without the assumed superiority of a particular section of the country exemplified by Mr. Curtatone’s statement. I’m not that crazy about Bobby Jindal for President either, but it is interesting that it appears to be politically ok for the Mayor to go off on Southern character types in showing disagreement with the Gov on dealing with a policy issue. Disagreement without name-calling, particularly with a certain regional, cultural twist, would appear to be the mark of good politician who had a few of the characteristics of human kindness shown by the Mayberry folks.

Suggest Mr. Curtatone go down to Mayberry, or its counterparts, for a spell, sit on a bench, or in a coffee shop and visit with the folks there awhile. He might even pick up on some good manners and courtesy in the process. http://www.barneyfife.com/

Best Regards –

Rex Carey
Midlothian, TX