Last night, Ken Urnsbay's filmed account of the Spanish-American War, and our local veterans part in it, premiered at the Quad Cities Harmony Film Festival. What was meant as a wound-healing tribute has created a shitstorm (if I may use the term) of controversy instead.

City Alderman Lyle Meater commented after the showing, "We all know the fine contributions that Molinians, Rock Islanders, and Davenportites made to the war effort, and we applaud those veterans who sacrificed. But I think it is a slap in the face to Bettendorfers everywhere, and particularly those from Bettendorf, that it appears, according to this film, as if their noble achievements toward this cause did not exist."

Producer/Director Urnsbay was quick to point out that any slight was unintentional. "We are adding extra footage to include the bread making capability of the B-dorf Jamaican Bakery, which, if it had existed at the time, I'm sure would have provided plenty of jerk buns for the soldiers," said Urnsbay. This reporter quickly adjourned to the bakery for a croisaunt, cruoissant, crroisann - whatever - where it was learned that their motto is "Your Order Will Always Be Ready Tomorrow."

It remains to be seen whether this filmic fix will calm nerves in this tinderbox, or whether some new controversy will erupt that those losers from Bettendorf will get all bent out of shape over.

Al Hammerly
"Go Moline Mohicans!"

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