Dear Tell All: I was so happy that A&E suspended Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty. The dad of the reality-TV clan said sickening things about African Americans and gay people in an interview, and the network properly distanced itself from him.
Well, my happiness didn't last long. The network reinstated the hate-monger after pressure from fans, and he didn't even have to apologize to the gay people he'd branded as subhuman, or to the African Americans he'd declared as "happy" under racist Jim Crow laws.
The really ugly part is watching the people who are so proud to defend Robertson. Of course we know that racism and homophobia still exist, but you'd think mainstream figures would be more cautious about embracing such views. Instead, we get governors (Bobby Jindal), U.S. senators (Ted Cruz) and a former vice presidential candidate (Sarah Palin) supporting Robertson's demeaning comments. How are gay people and African Americans supposed to respond to such unashamed hatred?
Former A&E Fan
Dear Fan: Gay people and African Americans have a lot of practice responding to stuff like this. As always, they're speaking out and fighting back.
True, Robertson's supporters won this round, but there's no way they'll win the war. In this day and age, intolerance just doesn't have a bright future in American entertainment -- and the outcry over Robertson's comments proves the point. Jindal, Cruz and Palin had better enjoy his turn in the spotlight while they can, because they won't see many bigots starring on TV shows in coming years.
Dear Tell All: I read your letter from the woman looking for a local version of a cronut ("I Want a Cronut," 12/262013). I wanted to let you and your readers know that there is one retailer in the Madison area who sells something similar. Obviously due to trademarks on recipe and name we call ours something different and make it in a slightly different way. At Copps we make what we call the "doughsant" with a glazed croissant doughnut and a French creme filling. They are truly delicious, and a much easier alternative than to drive to New York.
Copps manager
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison? Write Tell All, 101 King St., Madison, WI 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
