Toby Keith a poor choice for Ribfest

Having experienced domestic violence, abuse and discrimination as a child, I have since committed myself to being an advocate for the protection and welfare of children who would otherwise be voiceless and helpless.

As a former foster mother and CASA of DuPage advocate for children in neglect and abuse cases, I've been a strong supporter of The Exchange Club's Naperville Ribfest and the programs which benefit from the event.

With The Exchange Club's vision statement of a strong America, safe communities and unified people and with their national project being the prevention of child abuse, it is incomprehensible that they have chosen Toby Keith to headline the 2017 Naperville Ribfest. Ribfest is meant to unify the community in a family-friendly celebration of our nation's independence and to raise funds to benefit programs fighting child abuse and domestic violence. Toby Keith's songs tout violence and intolerance and surely are not representative of The Exchange Club's vision statement.

The Exchange Club, Naperville Park District, City of Naperville and Ribfest sponsors, by hosting Toby Keith for this year's event, have endorsed divisiveness, intimidation and violence. At the Jan. 19 inaugural concert, Toby Keith's so-called patriotic lyrics included the following: "take up all the rope in Texas, find a tall oak tree…hang them high in the street for all the good people to see," "we'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American way," and "we'll all get smashed at the inaugural celebration."

Certainly The Exchange Club and Ribfest sponsors do not support and advocate lynching, public drunkenness and a boot in the ass as the American way. Toby Keith should not perform at Ribfest. There should be no room for advocates of violence at an event meant to promote keeping our children and community safe.

Jane Cox

Wheaton