To the editor:

There were complaints about a growing police force surrounding the Wakarusa music festival. I even heard the police presence referenced as “a police state.” I shrugged off the comments and just figured people were overreacting. Thanks to the stealth, “necessary” work of our enforcement agencies, I am beginning to agree with them. Here are my questions about what happened at Wakarusa:

1. Did the police ever intend on buying the $250,000 surveillance equipment, or were they just exploiting a free demonstration?

2. Is bluegrass, folk, the new jazz? Read your history books to avoid repetitive mistakes.

3. Are we all so wealthy in Lawrence that we can just turn away any extra revenue?

I hope the festival returns next year. They have so much to offer in the way of music and acceptance. I wish the agencies could see that through their night vision and infrared goggles.

Craig Wood,

Lawrence