It amazes me that one of the hottest topics in Auburn revolves around Cowgirls Espresso.

With so many situations in our town, yet alone the world, that are far more important, we are forced to endure rants by some of Auburn’s citizens who are outraged about bikini-clad baristas. If this wasn’t so pathetic it actually would be funny.

As most of us who have lived here for any length of time know, the two things the town of Auburn is primarily famous for these days are: 1, the Muckleshoot Casino, and 2, Emerald Downs racetrack.

I find it difficult to understand how anyone seriously could believe that women in bathing suits serving coffee in a drive-up shack pose more of a “threat” to our society than two institutions that promote gambling.

Where is the similar enraged outcry from the holier-than-thou folks about these two facilities? It’s obvious that the “do as we say” crowd picks and chooses their fights, assuming that it’s easier to attack and intimidate young women than it is to attack businesses, which have caused people to clean out their bank accounts and see their families destroyed.

Now, before anyone accuses me of wanting to stop gambling in Auburn let me go on record that I, in no way, wish to see either the casino or racetrack closed. What I’m trying to do is point out that these individuals, who try to pose as moral compasses, apparently have their own personal agendas and that hypocrisy is alive and well in Auburn.

I was born in this town 42 years ago and it’s where I have lived most of my life. Auburn has never been a “den of evil,” and the existence of Cowgirls Espresso will not make it so.

I suppose Cowgirls Espresso should feel honored thanks to those that would have them on the same banned lists along side such great composers as Felix Mendelssohn and literary giants like J.D. Salinger. But at what cost? More needless restrictions on our freedom to choose?

– Joseph Heier