We are dismayed by Jon Bream's Aug. 20 open letter to Garrison Keillor ("Time to leave 'Home' ") and believe he is in the distinct minority of Minnesotans in voicing his view that Mr. Keillor's nationwide tour and repeat appearance at the Minnesota State Fair are overkill.
As admirers of the creativity, clean humor and talent evidenced in Keillor's work, we relish the opportunity to hear radio repeats of "A Prairie Home Companion" on Sunday afternoons. We beg to differ with Bream's remark that Keillor is neither a singer nor a comedian. We consider him to be gifted at both and would like to see him continue.
To suggest that Keillor must reinvent himself is, in essence, veiled ageism. Acknowledging that Keillor's "mind is still alive, alert and agile," Bream follows with the non sequitur that Keillor should limit himself to nonfiction. Why should Keillor say good night to Guy Noir and adios to Lefty when audiences nationwide still clamor to buy tickets to sold-out performances?
Garrison Keillor has brought Minnesota folklore into homes all over the country for several decades. Many love him and want more. To unfairly attack him not only isn't Minnesota Nice, but it was downright nasty.
Sheryl Ramstad and Lee Larson, St. Paul
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Relevant to Bream's article, from the American Public Media newsletter:
"Cherish the MN State Fair. Wherever you find beauty, simplicity & truth, know that there is a committee somewhere planning to improve it-don't let them do it."
— Garrison Keillor
(He's one step ahead of his critics.)