Attitude is still condescending

To the editor:

Professor Ronald Clayton's second guest column, meant on the surface to explain his position in greater detail but on a deeper level written to defend his position, does little to assuage the offense taken by me and, I am sure, others in this area.

I am originally from Chicago but have lived in Cape Girardeau for 25 years. I find the intellectual level of the people of this region to be as elevated or as depressed as I might find elsewhere. Likewise the artistic appreciation. Clayton writes in a downward slant, likely mirroring the way he speaks to those who live here.

The art he seems to wish not be created isn't cosmopolitan and is not meant to be. It is a reflection of the area, the grit and grind that pushed this nation to its western coast. It's not meant to be upper-level, but the good professor seems to think it is not worthy if not lofty. Many of us here are intelligent, thinking people, appreciative of the area and its history and not so worried about what the upper crust might think.

I find Clayton's condescending attitude repulsive and am happy our five children have all graduated college without being tutored by the likes of him. Tenure or no, he is certainly due a ticket to retirement.

JOHN JUSITS, Cape Girardeau