End of an Error

The North County Forum held their 12th annual Letters to the Editor Awards Night on January 31 at the Brengle Terrace Recreation Center in Vista. In tribute to the “End of an Error,” the ceremony began with a procession of mock protestors carrying signs with slogans such as “Jail to the Thief” and “Pro-War Is Not Pro-Life.” The signs were deposited in a casket marked “Bush” and replaced by signs that read “Hope,” “Equality,” and “Healthcare for All,” in celebration of the inauguration of President Obama.

North County Forum President Dick Eiden assured the full house that the casket would be buried deep. “Drive a stake through it!” shouted one member of the audience.

Six voice actors read snippets of many letters submitted to the North County Times over the year as well as the complete letters of award winners. The readings were frequently punctuated by applause, laughter, and boos. Awards were given for best and worst letters of the year. Categories included Youngest Writer, Worst Letter on Prop. 8, Best Letter on Liberal Values, and Creepiest. The audience was reminded that recipients of worst letter awards were not invited to the event.

Musical interludes were performed by the winner of the Best Letter on Religion and Politics, Jim Hayes. Most songs were covers of popular political satirist Roy Zimmerman.