Songs Nobody Likes

The article on Garth Brooks’ single (“Too Liberal for Garth Brooks’ Fans?,” Oct. 29) was one of the more sobering pieces I’ve read this year. Finally, a country star has the notion to write about something besides drinking, cheating, trucks and bars, and his listening audience rejects it out of hand because it’s “too tolerant.” Beyond that, the leading program directors quoted in the article don’t seem to know anything about leading or directing, but they certainly are great at following.

By falling right in step with Larry Pareigis’ assessment that “Garth’s ‘one world’ message was the real problem,” they turn down an opportunity to help educate the listeners. Presumably, songs with messages of intolerance would be embraced by this audience, and these same directors would shrug their shoulders and say, “This is what my listeners want.”

TOM WERMAN

Studio City