To the editor,
I have noticed signs around town for Mike Aronson for sheriff. I have heard he is a very nice person. I know from an article in the Register he has battled cancer successfully, for which I am very glad. I know he has worked in firefighting and law enforcement.
Something else I know, from reading articles in the Register, is that he worked security for a rap duo named Ying Yang Twins. That, in and of itself, is mundane information. What gives me pause is what he said about them. “There is profanity in some of their songs, but they don’t go around with the pants hanging way down low.” Another statement was “They sing hip-hop rap and they kind of like to portray themselves as one good and one bad, but not real bad.”
There is my question. What is “not real bad”? What is Mr. Aronson’s view of “not real bad”?
In reading the lyrics to one of the songs mentioned in the Register article, “Whistle While You Twurk,” I found the vulgar language distasteful but what deeply disturbed me was the graphic sexuality and total disgust these men have for women. Very clearly, women are only objects for their sexual satisfaction.
I do not type the lyrics here because I truly believe the Register would rightly refuse to print them.
So I would ask Mr. Aronson:
This is “not real bad”? The fact that you routinely listened to this music while providing security is disturbing. Perhaps Mr. Aronson you have had a change of heart about this group and their message. I think not because as recently as April of 2015 an article in the Register refers to you viewing this situation in a positive way. Also I have not heard you state any change, which suggests to me you are of the same mind or it’s not that important to you.
If you are elected sheriff how will you and your deputies deal with a woman who has been sexually assaulted? Treat her as if she was just an object for someone’s satisfaction? Are females to be viewed as inferior in your eyes? The leader sets the tone for those he leads. If this is “not real bad” the people you place on your team will follow that lead.
I have written this letter with deep conviction that we must protect the young women, in fact all women, of Allen County from this extremely harmful mindset and the men also, by encouraging them not to think of women in this demeaning way.
In noting signs in people’s yards who I know do not endorse this view, I can only presume they are not aware. Please take this letter as a heads up and if you can handle the graphic content read the lyrics online. Then decide if this is the type of law enforcement you want for Allen County.
Thank you for your time.
Erin D. Maness
Iola, Kan.
