HOG rally is big boost for Cape

To the editor:

What was the sound you heard this weekend? Was it the sound of loud Harleys or the sound of cash registers ringing? As to the comments in Mark Bliss' story regarding the tattoos and leather-clad bikers drinking beer, he failed to see the real purpose of the HOG rally. Harley riders from all geographic areas participated in friendly competitions, some of which required them to visit local businesses in the community. Hundreds of families lined miles of city streets to see the Harleys and hear the rumble during the parade. He failed to see the Harley couple sitting on their bike eating ice cream cones in downtown Cape Girardeau. He failed to see the parents bringing their children down to participate in the downtown festivities. He failed to see the restaurant and hotel parking lots filled with Harleys keeping those cash registers ringing.

Just ask Mayor Jay Knudtson or check with the MDA about the millions of dollars that have been donated to that cause on behalf of the Harley Owner Groups, including the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, the March of Dimes, Toys for Tots -- and the list goes on and on.

For those of you who enjoyed the weekend with the thousands of Harley owners, we hope to see you again in the future. For those businesses and organizations that contributed and participated in the rally, thank you. We feel the Southeast Missourian should report the news, not influence the news.

DAN BRASWELL and JILL HAUPT, SEMO HOG Chapter, Cape Girardeau