There’s a fine line between folksy and crass

By Jon Ralston

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 | 2 a.m.

There’s a fine line between folksy and crass — and, to many, Cowboy Tom crossed it this week when he criticized worried neighbors of that new shooting park. “They can call U-Haul and pack their (expletive) and leave,” County Commissioner Tom Collins told KLAS-TV. And then added, “Some guy had lived here for two years from somewhere in the Midwest ... pack your (expletive) and go home.” Just because you have a feeling, Cowboy, does that mean you should just express it? I’m sure some will admire Cowboy Tom for what they see as candor. But even if those neighbors are wrong, is there a reason for Cowboy Tom to be so rudely condescending? Even rude, condescending pundits know not to use such language.