Letters: Friendly interaction in thiscommunity is refreshing

This is in response to a letter to the editor in which Joseph Brauner referred to "local people" as "crass, loud and in need of refinement" (July 3).

In his letter, Mr. Brauner refers to the Crescent City tendency of small businesses to be closed on Mondays. Although Sunday is a traditional "day of rest" for most, when one's business is retail, Sunday is considered a work day (as most people use their weekends to shop). This leaves Monday as a good choice to take at least one day off during the week. And although I wish Wing Wah was open on Mondays, I am glad those hard working folks get to rest at least one day a week.

As to the "finishing school" Mr. Brauner suggested, I would propose he check a guide to manners himself. What he might find is that it is generally accepted that one should greet their friends and neighbors when you see them in public. Indeed, I don't know of anyone, tourist or otherwise, who feels "offended" to have a friendly interaction with a store clerk about the weather, the local sights, and upcoming events in our community. Indeed, it's refreshing. If tourists want an impersonal, verging on rude, interaction they can get that in just about any large city. Our friendliness should set us apart—in a positive way.

And although I might agree that in general it has become commonplace to speak in a loud voice, unconcerned about encroaching upon other's ability to carry on a conversation, I think this is a common problem in every area of the United States, and not particular to our area.

Stephanie La Torre

Crescent City