Reporter offers ‘rest of the story’

To the editor:
    In response to David Corey’s letter regarding my coverage of the recent city council meeting. I take no offense when my writing is criticized, constructively or otherwise but I do take offense when someone insinuates I have no respect for, nor understanding of freedom and the high price that is paid to enjoy it.     First, there was no, “rest of the story,” as once Mr. Getchell finished speaking, he left and the council members continued on to the next agenda item.
    Secondly Mr. Corey, is the main reason I chose to reply to your letter to the editor that appeared in the July 29 edition. Don’t use a blanket statement stating I don’t know the value of freedom. My grandfather served in the U.S. Army during World War I, my father was a captain in the U.S. Army serving in the World War II theatre, as did both of his brothers. Three other uncles also served in the U.S. Army during that same war. My brother is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. Respect for this country, its flag and those who honorable served was always a big part of my early childhood education at home and these facts have been reinforced to my own children making sure they were well aware of the treasured gift of freedom at an early age.
    By the way Mr. Corey, one of my uncles, my mother’s brother, I never had the opportunity to know. You  may be familiar with his name. If you aren’t, you might visit the Caribou VFW. His photograph hangs there, his name is Edward Knowlton — as in Lister /Knowlton VFW Post 9389.
    In regard to the list of things that are priorities in my life, the fact that someone finds fault with my journalism isn’t very high on the list, I can take those remarks, I even encourage them, but I will  not, ever, look the other way when someone insults my family members or the way I was raised, because family and respect are my highest priorities.
    As for the remark about the, “coffee and doughnuts,” not very respectful coming from a military veteran. Perhaps, Mr. Corey, you might  do well to order yourself a serving of crow or even a slice of humble pie.