Tribute to Linda
During the last month or so of working on the charity auction that raised $35,000.00 for the daughters of Carla Smith, I sent out emails to very many people telling them about the cause and asking for support. The response was immense and I am very thankful to know so many good people. If you are one of my past or present employees you know that I encourage all the girls who work for me to bring in anything they have that I can take to The Center for Battered Women. I take literally truckloads of clothing,etc. every month to the center. The proceeds from 4 of my last birthday bashes totalled over $10,000.00 (all donated to the center) During the auction I built a web page to get the word out in an efficient manner. I sent the link to that page to all my friends and some of them sent them to their email buddies. Somehow or another this link was sent to some woman I have never met named Linda Clark. Linda obviously went from that page back into my website which I find to be fairly harmless and innocuous. It also has a warning on the first page. I think it's a fun site and completely funloving and harmless and in no way pornographic. Take some time and go thru my website and tell me if you think this letter was warranted. I am not going to try to tell this person what kind of person I am or all the other things that I do for friends or strangers, however it would mean a great deal to me if my friends dropped her a line and told her what you think about her letter. If you agree with her letter please drop me a line so I can take you off my list, Much thanks,
ps. sorry the jokes haven't being going out as much but I have been very busy, you can check out the most current jokes on my website under funny shit.
If you would like to drop Linda a line please send it to me (dk@dkaustin.com) so I can forward it to her. Thanks.
Linda's Letter
To the King of Shame i.e. - BONE HEAD
An e-mail was sent to me inadvertently with your web site address....and so I walked in, not knowing what this web-site was all about....and had the misfortune to view a couple of your picture's"...not even realizing what the hell this was and was completely appalled. It's people like you that are the prime example of why woman will continue to be disrespected and devalued and treated like trash. With this web site you are clearly exploiting women that most likely do what they do because of childhood dysfunction or drug addiction or both. You are a blood sucking rodent and a waste of space and air. Not to mention you are fat pig, look like you been beat to hell by the ugly stick and greasy looking. It must be the cash cause YOU UGLY. You look like you are carrying all kinds of disease and fleas TA-boot. EVER HEARD OF CUT as in HAIR CUT. The girls that you were lucky enough to bed were probably drunk and disorientated and clearly high on rock crack!
Basically. YOU SUCK.
These are some of the letters some of my friends sent in reply to my new acquaintance Linda
| Linda, I just read the e-mail you wrote to DK and I was so unhappy that I felt the need to write you a letter. I have known Don for 3 years and I have never met a man with a bigger heart in all my life. So it hurts me to see him bashed. First of all you spoke about a man that you know nothing about. Second, you took the time out to write him a nasty e-mail, which in my opinion shows that you have way too much time on your hands. I am writing this and taking time to do so because I am defending a man that you so horribly misinterpreted. I work at the club and know him personally, and I am so proud to say that. He has raised more money for charity (battered women and cancer patients etc..) then you have ever had in your bank account. I was wondering how much money you have raised for charity lately? I hope that you don't judge everybody in your life this way because you are going to wake up one day and find yourself very lonely. DK is a man that has been, and always will be, there for his friends. I have worked in many clubs from Houston to New York, and never met a manager who cares as much as he. He will bend over backwards to help someone in need. Even if they aren't in need he will be the first to ask and make sure. How many friends do you have like that? I also felt the need to write this because you not only offended DK but you offended the girls who work for him. So with this I will give you my situation... I grew up in a very loving household (no dysfunction there). Both my parents would give me anything in this world if they could. Unfortunately, neither of my parents could afford to put me through school. College is very expensive (I don't know if you would know that) and I am determined to finish and better myself with a higher education (once again I don't know if you can say that). I attend one of the best colleges in the nation and have a 3.4 GPA. I work at the club and pay for my tuition every semester without any financial aid. With this, I would say that I am not "devaluing" myself in any way. I am doing what I can to move in the right direction. So no, I do not feel that I am a bad person because I work in an establishment that is for adults... because...I am one. There are women that I work with who are raising families all on their own. Would you prefer that they quit their job at the club and sit on the couch and use you tax dollars for well fare? You make the decision. For you to assume that we are all drug addicts and psychologically dysfunctional is completely ludicrous. I for one don't do drugs. You have never been to the yellow rose to make a judgment for the hundreds of girls that work there. It is offensive to me that you stereotype women. Since when are women supposed to be ashamed of their bodies? Are you ashamed of yours? If you were a size 2 wouldn't you just love to show it off? Why can't we be proud of what God gave us (Yes, I am even Christian)? The female anatomy is the most beautifully designed piece of art on the earth. In closing, I was very surprised that a women of your age would use such childish tactics to get a point across. To call people names such as "fat ,pig" and "greasy-looking" was beyond my belief when I read your e-mail. Were you brought up dysfunctionally and taught that that was okay? Don't you see that we are all God's creatures and no one is a "waste of space"? So if you are going to thump on your bible, make sure you read it first.Sincerely an educated stripper that doesn't do drugs DK please send this e-mail to Linda Linda, You have my deepest sympathy, I feel it's your loss, not personally knowing Don King, and expressing such uglyness, shame on you! Your attacking, my friend and boss, makes me very sad for you. God put us on this earth to love and respect each other. It's to bad you don't have the oppurtinuty I have been blessed with. I have been in the business as "House Mom" in the dressing room for five years. I have witnessed the worst of the worst, Don rescued the girls from the beast himself. Don has always treated every lady with the upmost respect and concern for their safety. Linda, in my own situation of family distress, Don has always had time, to allow me to lean on him and has always offered a helping hand never passing judgement. Please know, I consider it a prevledge to be allowed to be in the dressing room to comfort, love and encourage these beautiful girls, that you have no right in passing such harsh profanities. I, suggest you get involved in some community service, Don would be a great mentor, let a little "love" in your life. I'll be willing to bet you'll be happier!! In His Love, and Respect, Mama Sallie
Dear Linda, I am a dancer at the yellow rose, I am also a mother and head of my household... I have experienced very little dysfunction in my life, dancing pays my bills and provides me with a job so that I can continue going to school...it's really simple, this is the way women with beautiful bodies make a living...you've never had the privilege of meeting Don, so until you do stop with the judgments...I can tell youthat after you do, you will regret your pitiful statements and an apology will have to suffice. The degradation of women by women is by far worse then any man making a statement of disrespect...you completely made a judgment not only about Don but about us...the dancers....come by the Yellow Rose and meet some of us....seems you have lots of time on your hands. Sincerely, Stephanie
Linda Clark I am appalled at your letter to Don King. I’ll try and keep this short but I wanted to take a moment to let you know what kind of man Don is because your initial opinion of him is obviously wrong. I have known Don for about 5 years now, I have known him very well the last two or so. Don is probably THE friendliest and most generous man I know. I am proud to admit that I have spent quite a bit of time in his club and have never even once seen him mistreat any of the girls in any way. I have been witness to countless charitable acts performed by Don and you are dead wrong about him. You definitely owe him an apology. I however am not as nice as Don is and I hope you die.
Dear Linda, Wasn't it Christ who said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."? From your unkind (and unfair) words toward Don King, it appears you have cast a boulder. Are we to assume from this that you are as pure as the driven snow? Why don't you just give Don a call and have a chat with him, or better yet sit down with him over a drink. I think you'll find a much different guy than the one you were castigating. Kind regards, Brian Hanson Linda, I recently read your letter to a man you call the "king of shame". I must admit I was appalled to see someone making harsh judgements of a person and a profession that you know nothing about. Let me give you a little insight on my side of the fence. I lost the love of my life a little over 3 years ago. He was an extremely wealthy man and took care of me and my family for 7 years. He did not want me to work and was determined that he would be here always to take care of me. Well, fate plays some cruel jokes sometimes and he was abruptly taken to I believe a much better place. Therefore, I was left to take care of myself andmy family on my own. After about 6 months of trying to destroy myself, I decided I had to do something to support my family and I wasn't going on welfare to do it. The profession I chose is the one you think no woman would do unless childhhood dysfunction or drug addiction was the cause. I can assure you that this is not the case. I am neither dysfunctional or drug addicted. I merely have 2 teenagers that like to eat, have shelter, and wear clothes all without the help of the taxpayers like myself. I have been in this business for 3 years and I must say that Don really cares about the women he works with. I have worked with men in this business who think women are second class citizens but that happens in any profession. As far as beeing treated like trash, I am a strong independent woman who allows no man to treatme disrespectfully no matter what my job title may be. Also your opinion of the way Don looks was highly irrelevant. Next time use some intelligence when writing. Noone wants to read the ramblings of someone with an education no higher than a 12 year olds.Morgan Corpus Christi, TX
Dear Linda, I recently saw a copy of the e-mail you sent to Don King and you have my deepest sympathy. Clearly you have deep, troubling emotional issues that need to be worked out. How can you feel such anger towards this man? What is the crime he has committed? Worshiping women? Giving them the opportunity to make more money than you? Do you envy their freedom? Their joy? Their passion? Surely envy must lie at the root of such bitter anger towards a man who has done you no wrong.Who lifted you up and placed you on such high moral ground? Are you truly better than the man you deride? How much have you yourself done for charity today? Yesterday? This week? Linda, please keep in mind that you view (and judge) his actions through the lens of your own narrow cultural experiences. As Montaigne says, "The laws of conscience, which we pretend to be derived from nature, proceed from custom." To quote an even more credible author, "Judge not, lest ye be judged."Go focus your energy somewhere productive. Get the tax codes revised. Lobby the state to make DUI laws more stringent. Spend several hours a week doing community service. Don has a hell of a head start, but with a few decades of effort perhaps you could close the gap between the amount of good he has brought to us and your own contributions. P.S. "Why should I hurt thee? This world is surely wide enough to hold the and me." -- Laurence Stern
Linda: What qualifies you to cast aspersions on Don King? His business has fed and clothed children and kept decent people employed. No one is holding a gun to the heads of any of the performers. Why don't you step back from your narrow viewpoint and take a look around. Are you aware that Don King worked tirelessly to raise money for a tragically killed employee of a RIVAL nightclub? Is your life so empty and boring that you have nothing better to do ith your time than harass philanthropic merchants like Mr. King? Do you realize how many young women with babies would be on welfare (or worse) if it wasn't for Mr. King's largesse? Do you realize how many broken lives Don King has helped to rebuild through his business AND his contributions to the Battered Women's Shelter? Perhaps your inane diatribe is the result of a trauma of your own. Time and space prohibit me from exploring this further, but judging from your vitriol-laden spew that you are in desperate need of professional help. Get past your low-self esteem and depression and maybe you can put your efforts to positive use for a change.
sounds to me like she needs to get laid!!! <grin>
Well, Linda...your email was inadvertantly sent to me...you have NO idea what you are talking about. Don King raised 35,000 for the children of his bartender whose wife was killed in an auto accident. Don King is one of the LARGEST contributors for the Shelter for Battered Women in Austin Texas. My wife is a topless dancer who has experienced NONE of the dysfunctions you mention. In fact, we have the best marriage and are completely happy...just because you are disrespected, devalued, and treated like trash doesn't mean all women are...maybe you deserve it. Next time, don't jump into a web site without prior knowledge as to what it is...the internet is FULL of things that right-wing-fundamentist-freaks just LOVE to hate. Now run along. Don't you have some abortion clinics to blow up or something? It is people like you who make the world a bad place...get a rope, jump on a table, tie one end to a rafter and the other end to your neck, and then hop off...PLEASE! P.S. By the tone of your note and the bad grammar and spelling, I anticipate some flame mail from your DUMB ass...bring it on! James Dean Young jd@sundream.com "Sometimes you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right"
Ms. Clark. Mr King forewarded your letter to me and I take this opportunity to respond to your assessment of him and his web site. You evidently did not spend much time at the site, if you had, you would have seen that Mr King's activities go far beyond managing the Yellow Rose. He is very active in the community and is very active in programs that benefit women. Not only that, if you look at the expressions of the ladies in the photographs you will clearly see that there are no exploited or unhappy women there. I suggest that you take another look and even go to Mr King's club the Yellow Rose and talk to some of the women that work for him and find out how the work they are doing is paying for a college education and is providing them with a good living and hear from them who is getting exploited and who is not getting exploited. I suggest that you look to your own life and see if perhaps the shortcomings there in your own life are distorting your views and opinions of others bringing you to venture into an ugly attack on someone that has a great many admirers. arthur whittall
for someone who was appalled she spent enough time on the site to take some serious noteson everything EXCEPT the fact that you must be an angel of god to help those children.SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE THE BITCH A VALIUM....NO MAKE THAT A SUPPLY OF THEM.....GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR GENERIOUS HEART...TAWNIE ARIZONA
DK: I find it interesting that this person claims that the e-mail was "inadvertently" sent to her. I would suggest sending a copy of her letter to an attorney to determine if you have grounds for suing her for libel. I realize that we live in a free country, however I do not believe that anyone has the right to besmirch the name of another without proof. Look forward to seeing you next time I am in the Capitol City. DV
Linda, To write someone you don't know and use such harsh profanities toward is sophomoric at best. It took me quite a bit of debating if I should even bother to taking the time to write you a response. I came to my conclusion because people like you piss me off so bad. If you don't agree with what Don King does, don't go to his club. I don't ever go to his club, but I think he is a great guy who doesn't deserve the bashing you gave to him. His job might not be that well looked upon by the public, but that doesn't mean you have to single him out and bash him because you don't agree with his lifestyle. Concerning his web page, don't look at it. There's tons of things on the internet that I don't agree with, but I can assure you I just don't pull them up. When I do, I don't write insulting letters to the person responsible for the web page and insult them on such a personal basis. Anyone who knows Don realizes that he gives back to the community in ways you would never know. He just performed an extremely successful fundraiser for a family who just lost their mother. How do you think the girls who don't have any money or support make their tuition payments for college. I can assure you that if you were to take a general consensus about Don from his current and previous employers the response would be unanimous, a caring man. This letter is intended to get people like you to know the facts before they start opening their mouths and disrespecting people they obviously know nothing about. Finally, it's easy for you to write such an insulting letter on the internet, but you and I both know that if you ever saw him walking down the street you would just look away- as you should. Bret Don-i have not met you-although you and i have talked -I am Kathy .....-married to W --- I wanted to let you know that i sent your FRIEND a letter as well-and I am forwarding it to you so you can see what i said- Cynthia sent it to me Kathy
Don, I read Linda's letter. I don't think I would loose any sleep over it. From her language she is herself a lowly person who obviously has a lot of anger from something in her past, which has nothing to do with you. I commend you for what you do for others and although I don't think it will do any good with this women, I will drop her an e-mail advising her to seek therapy! Your Friend, Mark....from Bryan/College Station
Dear Linda, I too have had the misfortune of walking into someone's den of oozing filth and that was yours.The response you so righteously inflicted on Mr. Don King was far from the truth. Your views are obviously tainted by some warped vision of life covered by your own excrement that you choose to wallow in. Anyone that I know that knows Don King and what he stands for could hardly believe anyone would have the desire, let alone the audacity, to ridicule him after such a generous and worthy effort to help a family in need. I pity the condition of your soul. Regretfully, Dave Evers
The letter from Linda Clark reminded me of a quote from Marilyn Monroe. A journalist was attacking Monroe's morals and character and her reply was "those who know me better know better." Linda Clark obviously doesn't know Don King. Several years ago, I worked part-time as the door girl at Sugar's. I was in school and needed some extra money or I was not going to be able to make it through the semester. Don gave me a job and didn't yell at me when I was too tired to count receipts right. I was always treated respectfully and I never saw any of the dancers being treated badly, exploited, or taken advantage of in any way. Since that time, I have had several occasions to hear about how Don has helped someone out or encouraged others to donate to good causes. He never promotes himself as a great philanthropist, just a guy who likes to live life as an adventure. There are a lot of people in Austin who donate to charity and want their name in lights because of it and there are a lot of people who have the resources and are just plain selfish. Don seems to know the true meaning of charity: it is the end result that matters and not who gets credit. Don King is someone that I am proud to say I've had the opportunity to know. "Sherry Baby"
Don I hope I didnt go "postal" on that woman too bad -- but I do not take lightly to people picking on people I care deeply for Love you man!! LUCY LIPPS
Linda, Evil attitudes are like really bad perfume...the aroma is very hard to hide. I have just one question? Do you remotely know the definition of "tact" and "grace?" Nevermind I know the answer. Obviously you were not raised anywhere remotely in the South. You are a very angry and bitter person, which is so unattractive and uncalled for. You possibly could not hold someone else in high regards - since it is obvious you have such a low opinion of yourself. You have the manners God gave a rabid Pitbull. The worst thing about a bad attitude is that most of the time it is infectious. Please attempt to find some solitary while on this rampage. Anyone that knows my friend, Don King - is honored. Much less call him a friend - is fortunate beyond explanation. He has one of the largest hearts ever bestowed on a human being. He is generous to a fault and kind beyond words that I could ever do justice in just one letter. For you to belittle someone that you do not even know - just shows the caliber person that you are and the issues you must have to deal with on a daily basis. I will say a prayer for your struggles in the meantime. There are three passions , simple but overwhelmingly strong that I have governed in my life: the longing for acceptable love, the strength of knowledge and the unbearable pity and intolerance for people such as yourself that have such a bitter disposition towards others. Sincerely, I understand it maybe hard for you to comprehend the service he does for the girls that work for him. To some of these girls, Don is the only family that they have, presently. I personally have never worked in that business but have known people that have. Don King, has more ethics and moral fiber than any politician on Capital Hill. From what I gather most of the girls that do dance -- choose to do so. No one is putting a gun to their head. This source of income allows them to do many things that ordinarily they would never be able to do - i.e., furthering their education, taking care of their children, attending to immediate goals, whatever they might be. Linda, if you want to "man bash" why don't you take some of your energy and write President Bill Clinton? Take a drive down to Jasper and support the families of victim dragged behind a truck because of the color of his skin. Just out of curiosity....honestly when was the last time you did something that did not have a motive? Can we all say that as humans? Don King does on a daily basis - I HAVE WITNESSED THIS! Charity is the power of defending that which we know to be indefensible. If a mans true wealth is the good he does in the world -- Don King could easily be the richest human I know. Your countries leader has made it a point to "devalue women" and he has gotten away with it. There is racism, hunger, hate, greed and sloth that manifests in our world daily. It is truly a shame that you have chosen to pick on someone as fine as Don King to vent your anger. He gives back to the community ten-fold and never asks for recognition for his efforts. The only thing in Don's life that pains me if the fact that he had to endure the snide comments in your ill-fated cynical letter. remember one thing, a cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. I hope that sending a letter like that helped you deal with some inner demons that you have -- but I already know the answer to that also....I will pray for your denial. Kristi Hoss
hi- you can't put any reasoning behind a letter like that. It may be any body. She most likely is a dyke. She sounds jealous. If so she may need to joina club. Every male I know is jealous of you.You are screwing women they would kill to touch. She most likely wants a dancer that will not sleep with her. Hate mail ain't gonna get her any sex or sleep. Do not worry about that bitch. If you get any more I would get someone to find out who she is, where she lives, etc. She should be dealt with if she starts anything else.
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Linda, You haven't got the slightest idea of how wrong you are about Don King. Don is one of the finest gentlemen I've ever had the pleasure to meet and work for. There were many times where I screwed up but Don never held it against me and he even continued to allow me to work for him after I tried to drive my car into his club, thus busting in the backdoor. He could have had me arrested,could have pressed charges against me and could have had me easily barred from the club, but that's not how Don handles things.I first met Don way back in 1978, when he worked as a bartender and manager for another club here in Austin. I had no real direction at that time and found it to be a great way to pay all my bills and go to college. After that club closed The Yellow Rose opened and became the finest club in town and in my opinion is still that way today. It attracts many gentlemen who don't want to stay at home and listen to bickering wives bitch about the bills. It makes a man wonder who deserves his money more- A young, beautiful woman who takes away his stress for the day by dancing for him with her beautiful body or a bitch who only makes the stress worse and won't put out at all. I think your just jealous Linda. I think you need to get a grip on life and bust out of your cocoon. For you too could have the spirit of a beautiful butterfly instead of the lost, derogatory wench your portraying. P.S. Don, if your reading this I want to thank you again for the last time when I visited the club and left my purse at a table near the lower stage. Only you, and the wonderful ladies you have working for you would be kind enough to get it back to who it belonged to. I must say, it shocked me though to hear my name called up to the DJ stand again.. Sweet Memories.. PEACE from S.Austin Georgia AKA Lady Butterfly
Well, Linda you seem to have kicked the hornets nest. Out of ignorance or foolishness it really makes no difference. I met Don when I was running a popular club in San Antonio. I made the trip to Austin to see what the clubs in the capital were like. When I entered the Yellow Rose for the first time I was impressed with the quality of the atmosphere and the professional environment. Then I met Don. After talking to him for the better part of three hours, I understood where the attitude in the club came from. Don and I are different people but we have the same philosophy when it comes to the clubs. They are places for fun. Safe fun for the customers and safe work environments for the employees. They are neither if you feel everyone who comes in is to be exploited. I have seen people like the one you described in your letter in the clubs. In fact when the club I was running was taken over by someone like you describe I quit rather than work for him. I would not hesitate to work for Don King and I am not ashamed to know him or to tell people I know him. He is a man with a sense of honor, dignity and tremendous sense of humor. If you don't share any of those qualities or have any respect for them you should keep your opinions to yourself because you do not know what you are shouting about. I will leave you with this thought Linda, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." Troy S. Williams San Antonio, Tx.
Dear Linda- You poor pathetic woman! What on earth has made you so angry? Did your husband wake up next to you one morning and chew his arm off to run away with some topless dancer? Or, perhaps you were disqualified from working as a yourself, and THIS has left you so bitter? Regardless, I've never read a more preposterous testimony from an inbred,illiterate YOKEL in all of my life! It seems to me that being the raging zealot that you are, you would have at least taken the time to TRY to express yourself in a more eloquent manner. It is very clear that life has not been good to you- ever since failing grammar school. With that said, let me tell you a little bit about myself, and MY opinion of the man who you have so viciously attacked. I am 34 years old, married, and the mother of a 7 week old baby. I have never worked for Don, or for any other gentleman's club for that matter. My husband and I own a carpet cleaning business. We started the company a year ago, and have been struggling to get it off the ground. The first day my husband met with DK to discuss cleaning the Yellow Rose, DK loaned him $1500.00 to purchase a tool we needed to enhance our cleaning capabilities. Keep in mind, he had never even MET my husband prior to that day, and had no way of knowing if he'd ever see him again! I challenge you to find a more generous and trusting man than Don King! I have never encountered ANYONE who knows him speak anything less than glowing of him! He has helped us in everyway imaginable, and has asked for NOTHING in return. He has not only personally called other business owners and friends of his to recommend our services, he has written letters, and even allowed us to advertise in his newsletter to 2,000 people FREE OF CHARGE. Incidentally Linda, when is the last time you helped a complete stranger to this extent? Ever? I can personally assure you, DK does it ALL THE TIME. If it weren't for Don King, we would probably be out of business by now. It is with his enormous help that we have been able to establish an excellent client base in a very sluggish economy. All of this simply out of the goodness of his heart.
I might add, in addition to the qualities mentioned above, DK is an animal lover. He helped me find a home for an abused dog that a friend of mine had rescued. In fact, I would be willing to bet he'd even help one of the many dogs YOU probably have living under your trailer !
How DARE you insult such a sweet man!
Lastly, do all women in general one favor.....do not ever attempt to defend their honor again. I can promise that after reading your venomous letter, it is not Don King who gives women a bad image, it is YOU Linda. DK- we love ya!
Lisa and Corey Thibodaux
PS. Linda, I would venture to guess that Don is FAR more attractive than you. Why don't you forward a picture of yourself to be scrutinized.....the same way you scrutinized him .....Just introduced to your page by a Lady from Phoenix (Via Austin). Have toured and found nothing that should offend even some of the very strong feminists I happen to know and like. Hope you don't take personal offense and feel distraught, as it is most obvious Linda is "having a Moment" of frustration and anger. It most likely has nothing to do with you, perhaps it is what she perceives you represent, which of course, only she can identify. In reading the "Ventilating" words, they really make no sense other than unbridled anger about "Something"???? There is no rational reason for her to attack you so viciously, rational had nothing to do with her words or thoughts, only emotions were in play. That should concern her more than anyone, once she realizes it. Feel blessed you were not physically near her when she decided to "go off" on you. Perhaps Linda could find some help in "Anger Management" with a professional. I suspect she was just recently damaged by some "Idiot Boy" that probably did exploit her. Perhaps much farther back and deeper than that. Avoid her and hope she finds her "Real self" and gets over her pain. Be confident in knowing Who you are and what you are. Seem "cool" to me. I suppose "Congress" is still alive and well. Good luck Brother.
Don, This is David Sefton. My friend I have known you many years now. I want to take the time to tell you over the years my respect for you has grown and grown. We are all so busy telling people what is wrong in life, basically bitching, and I want to take a second and tell you what is right. As long as I have known you, you have ever been generous and quick to help people, I think that is a truly admirable quality. Don, Leann and I think you are one of the truly "good" people we know. I think this is really wonderful you trying to help this girl, we might have some extra furniture if this girl needs some help. Otherwise we will swing by a little money to help her out.Good work Don. Your a true gent. Your friends, david and Leann
Dear Linda, I am a 41 year old, homeowning, churchgoing, non-smoking and nondrinking, 22 year married, father of 5 teenagers. I am active in my churchs' Boy Scout troop and Cub Pack. I am active in our childrens' school Drama and Choir activities as a booster and volunteer of everything from concession sales and driver to helping build sets and work fund drives. I am involved in Hill Country Ministries aid to needy folks, and help co-ordinate the work of my church with HCM. I worked directly under DK on a daily basis for more than 8 years from '89 thru @ '97.While he and I had our share of disagreements personal and professional, he is by far the best 'boss' of the more than a dozen I have had in the club business. He is also by far the best man among the more than 40 Austin nightclub and bar managers I have known in my 11 years in the business. He's no saint, and he has his human faults, just as do you and I, Linda. But he has not a vengeful or grudging bone in his body, and he is always ready to be friends with anyone who will meet him even halfway.Every word he says about the work and donations he has done for the Battered Womens Center is true. I personally have helped him collect many tons of stuff for those women and their kids, and have seen him spend many hundreds of hours of his free time to organize and deliver much needed things to them. After all is said and done, I wish I was still working for him than for the people who replaced him when he left the club where I knew him all that time. All the best to you and yours, Linda. Cordially,
It's really sad that some people have to make themselves feel better by passing judgment on others or by calling people names. If there is something that you need to learn is that when you criticize others it is only a projection of what you feel about yourself. Surely there is a better way for you to get your point across without resorting to 5th grade tactics. Sheesh Linda, lighten up. Don's one of the GOOD guys. He just helped to raise about $35,000 for three little girls who just lost their mother. I sure hope if I ever have a tragedy befall me or my family that "the king of shame" is the one to "exploit" my situation and gender. Jennifer Of course there were many friends that answered that letter from "that woman named Linda." There are actually people that you know that respect and love you and aren't going to put up with that shit so of course they had something to say to "that woman named Linda." Have a good weekend yourself.
Linda, In reference to your letter to Don King this is what I have to say. The first thing is that you said you walked in, not knowing...well just as you walked in...you could have easily walked out. Nobody held a gun to your head and made you proceed. In case you have forgotten, this is a free country. The people involved in any of those pictures have a right to do with themselves what they want. You have the right to pay attention or not to. Lots of people and things are exploited right and left via the media etc. If any of the people involved in Don's website felt they were being exploited I'm sure they would have done something about it by now. As for why women choose to do what they do that is there bussiness not yours. How judgemental of you to assume these women have childhood dysfunction or drug addictions because they are comfortable with their bodies and choose to capitalize off of it. Do you go out to Hippie Hollow and picket too? You are entitled to disagree but it seems an adult would be able to express discontent without calling names. Blood sucking rodent and waste of space and air sounds somewhat childish. If you took the time to look at the pictures you would see that Don isn't fat either. It seems you made a decision without gathering all of the proper information first. You might want to do a little more research before you express your uninformed opinion in the future. If you are offended by something what does the persons looks have to do with it? As for Don King himself, I don't think you could even begin to comprehend such a person. He simply know how to love life and everything in it. That's something you might try yourself and learn to give people their space to do what they want. This isn't Linda's world. It's our world. I've known Don King for over 10 years. I've seen him open his home to many lonely people on the holidays so that they wouldn't have to spend the holidays alone. I've seen him take the time and interest in those girls personal lives and well being just as much as he takes interest in that club. I know this because I was one of those girls. I may not be in Don's pictures because our lives have different paths but any and every time I see that man he show interest and concern like a person who truly cares. This man has helped out several people. Yes, I said people;men as well as women. I was on my way to a meeting the other night when I saw a sign in front of a church which you might find helpful. It read "What you find wrong with others, correct in yourself." Don King knows how to enjoy life... maybe you should learn to enjoy yourself and life too and quit wasting your time judging othersAnn Marie
Excuse yourself and go back under your rock. Mr King is a benefit to the Austin community. He has helped many girls though school. He is always there for them when they get beat up. Say you are sorry... Big ED
Robert Sharp wrote: Even though Don neglected to properly include your e-mail address in his letter I am responding to the letter you sent him. I am surprised that you are are so easily offended by a breast or two or pictures of people having fun. Would it be easier for you to look at a picture of a young girl slumped over in a chair taking a verbal beating like the one you dished out to Don. Your smell in that letter personified dysfunction and lets hope you have no kids of your own to treat like that. If you do have daughters I would only have to say that they will be in safe hands with Don one day. Dedicated employee and father of two, Robert Sharp
Dear Linda, This letter is in regards to a letter you sent to a personal friend of mine. This friend I have known for over ten years, he has been an excellent friend, father figure, and mentor to me through out my entire young adult life. This man has saved many young women's lives, including mine. If it wasn't for this man I don't know what would have become of me. This person was the first man to treat me with the utmost respect and has NEVER tried to lay a hand on me. I worked for Don for 5 and 1/2 years and he always had my best interest at heart. He steered me away from drugs and helped me to become the person I am today. I now have a successful career and am a homeowner for the first time in my life. I am happy being the person that I am and can give the credit for that to only one man and that is Don King! Don's personal web page is a great way for me to stay in touch with my dear friend and enjoy his life living thousands of miles away. There is a warning on the first page of his world. You should take the time to investigate all pages before indulging into them. I enjoy DK's World and would very much appreciate if you would not visit it ever again. Thank you for your time and have a nice day! Sincerely, Polly Kahkonen P.S. FYI...I have never had a childhood dysfunction or drug addiction.
Dearest Linda, I am disappointed to find that you have so ignorantly and wrongly misjudged one of my dearest friends and former boss, Don King. It is actually people like you, that have never walked in my shoes, that I have troubles with as a dancer. I can only speak for myself, but I have never felt degraded or exploited as a dancer. Don runs an amazing club with strict rules of conduct. In the seven or so years I have worked for him he has always treated me with the utmost respect and dignity. If I have ever had a problem with a customer ( I think twice in seven years is not bad) he has been johnny on the spot to be my champion, and the gentleman in question was immediately dispatched from the bar. The bars he runs are controlled environments, and I have been treated far worse, much more often by drunks out socially in public. Boys, unfortunately will be boys, but at least in the club there are rules that they must abide by. "women that most likely do what they do because of childhood dysfunction or drug addiction or both. " As for your statement above, I take personal offense to. It is just this kind of immediate stereotyping that is my personal anathema. How can you so carelessly and wantonly affront people you don't even know? So, for your edification, I will tell you a little about myself. I am 29 years old, and have been working for Don, on and off since 1991. I worked my way through a Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas, graduating in 1992. I bought my own three bedroom house (in a very nice neighborhood) at the age of 23, and since then it has doubled in value. I got hired by someone I met at the bar to do animation for computer games for three years. I worked on two "A list" titles that grossed a total of about thirty million. I quit a high paying job to go back to dancing, so I could pursue my own interests. I was unhappy working in a corporate environment, for someone else, and not having creative control over the art I did. I now have my own studio, and I own my own jewelry manufacturing business now. This month I am starting to build my webpage to begin selling my artwork over the net. I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO ANY OF THIS if it weren't for the man that you so rudely insulted. With the money I have made at the bar, and the contacts of people I have met at the bar, I have been able to do all of this ON MY OWN. I am now able to support myself comfortably doing what I love, art . . . thanks to Don. Over the years, I have managed to furnish my home with beautiful antiques and persian rugs, and have managed to build my net worth up to a half million, and I'm only getting started, baby. As for my home life and drug intake. . . I am the child of a retired Colonel in the Army. A West Pointer, no less, with a Master's Degree from Cal Tech. After his first retirement, My father then worked for Brown and Root as the Director of Operations for their Services Division, and was responsible for getting them their contracts. I am very proud of my father's acheivements, and hope to aspire to and surpass his acheivements someday. I love my father and have a good relationship with him, and have inherited his work ethic. My mother is a typical housewife who has sacrificed any dreams she ever had for herself to raise a family in the tradition of her time. She is probably the most unhappy person I know. Her entire life has revolved around taking care of the house, the dog, my sister and I, and doing laundry. She doesn't have the skills to support herself, nor the self esteem to do anything to change her life. She is completely dependent on my father and has basically decided that she is content in her misery. I choose not to have her life. I choose to be the master of my own destiny. I choose to make something of myself on my own, and not be dependent on finding a rich husband so I can, "have my art hobby". When I marry it will be for one reason, and one reason alone. . . love. Neither of my parents are alcoholics or drug users. I don't particularly like to drink, and can only have a drink or two socially, because I don't like to be drunk. I very rarely do recreational drugs (it's not very often that I have three days that I don't have stuff to do, since I have been working two jobs for the last six years). I occasionally smoke when I hit an artistic block or need inspiration, because it seems to open me up creatively, and allows my playful side to come out. Some of my most successful pieces have arisen out of smoke. BUT, I am responsible about it and do it in the privacy of my own home. I have never had a problem with drugs or alcohol. I have never been fired from any job I've had. I have one rule. . . I treat people the way I would like to be treated and try and help out where I can. I have an adopted underpriveleged family of five that I buy Christmas presents for every year, and when I am able to, plan on setting up college funds for the kids, so they can break their cycle of poverty. I like my life. I like the people I have worked with. Some of the most wonderful people I know I have either worked with, or met in that bar. Granted, anywhere you go you will run into bad people occasionally, but don't blame the bars for it, blame society, and their parents for not raising them right. Luckily, I have good friends like Don, who would go out of their way for me that more than make up for people like you, that would automatically judge someone like me, and attempt to make me feel bad for the choices I have made in my life. But hey, I get to do art. I get to choose my own destiny. How about you, Linda? What is your life like that you would belittle people you don't even know? Does it make you feel better about yourself in some small way? Sincerily yours, Jennifer Ayers Artist and Exotic Dancer Shame on YOU, Linda. Dear misinformed recipient Earlier, within the week, you received and responded to a letter from a dear friend of
mine. Whether it occurred from a computer or user error, it becomes apparent, from you
previous actions, that you read it. The only retort I can offer for your apparent
suffering seems to look before you leap. There exist a variety of elements that you did
not account when you make this assessment toward Don King.In life, many people apply for
jobs to survive, and as everyone else, we work at a business. This business abides by the
laws governing it, both from Congress and the owners. At this business, everyone strives
at a similar desire, the same with every business, to make money. Although, the employees
that are hired at this business come from various backgrounds, the ultimate goal remains
the same.When it comes to the exploitation of women at the clubs, you are seriously
mistaken. I can testify to the fact that no women become forced to work here, and the
choice originates from the people and the people alone. If you conceive that with the
removal of these establishments, the problem will fade and eventually disappear from
existence, think again.The assessment that Don King necessitates a clean cut to his
appearance only projects an idea of you as shallow and materialistic. Have you not
heard the saying, "Do not judge a book by its cover"? Obviously, a thought such
as this never registered into you closed cranium, when you become determined to respond to
his letter. Don King is a close personal friend of the family, and this man attempts to
help out many people in need, whether strangers or close friends. The most recognized
within the business comes from the community service preformed for battered women and
abused children. Don King performs more services for the community, every month, than most
others do in a lifetime.Overall, it appears very obvious that you cannot determine whether
or not a person deserves criticism, unless you truly understand the environment in which
the person think, breaths, lives, and works. Maybe during the next situation, when you
decide that you must place your foot in you mouth, you will not concentrate on what type
of person you attempt to rant, so you do not repeat the same mistake. Outsiders.........Dont sing it, Bring it!!!!!
however undeserving it is. Possibly there's something from your childhood that you may want to work through. It is so easy for you to blame this kind, giving, gentle man because some women disrespect (your judgement here) themselves. These women have choices. They've chosen to be where they are, do what they do. Don King is not the reason they're there. It could be that they're right where they need to be, getting the life lesson God wants them to get. They're also aware that their picture is on his web page. I'm sure it they asked Don, he would remove it. It is unfortunate that Dons web site was sent to you. I'm sorry it happened. May I suggest that in the future you heed the warnings given. It is so much more powerful to take responsibility for our actions then it is to give that responsibility away (to Mr. King); ie.: blame some one else for the choices we make. Take back you power woman! Sincerely, Jodi
I am so glad that I am a topless dancer. I make a fabulous living because of BITCHES like you who drive their husbands away to come see me! Thanks LINDA! You're the greatest for supplying my Versace shirts! <WINK!> Chinh p.s. Don King says hello and wants to know if the hubby is coming in this Friday night! Ciao! Linda: What qualifies you to cast aspersions on Don King? His business has fed and clothed children and kept decent people employed. No one is holding a gun to the heads of any of the performers. Why don't you step back from your narrow viewpoint and take a look around. Are you aware that Don King worked tirelessly to raise money for a tragically killed employee of a RIVAL nightclub? Is your life so empty and boring that you have nothing better to do with your time than harass philanthropic merchants like Mr. King? Do you realize how many young women with babies would be on welfare (or worse) if it wasn't for Mr. King's largesse? Do you realize how many broken lives Don King has helped to rebuild through his business AND his contributions to the Battered Women's Shelter? Perhaps your inane diatribe is the result of a trauma of your own. Time and space prohibit me from exploring this further, but judging from your vitriol-laden spew that you are in desperate need of professional help. Get past your low-self esteem and depression and maybe you can put your efforts to positive use for a change. |