Saturday, April 12, 2003
SEE IT HERE FIRST: A
SEE IT HERE FIRST: A CHUCKLEHUT RETRACTION
I don’t set many rules for myself on this blog but one from the outset was to try not to deride other people unless they really ask for it. Occasional comments about body odor, rudeness, or foolish behavior (and a few poems about unbalanced weirdos who get in my face at happy hour) notwithstanding, I would prefer not to belittle people with whom I have extended personal or professional contact.
I got an email recently about my recent post about a commission member who didn’t seem to understand the mandate under which I work. The email told me my post was, to paraphrase, arrogant. That’s accurate, and I regret it. However, I can try to make things right. Let me take this opportunity to 1) apologize for blogging while in a bad mood, resulting in a thoughtless and inapt criticism of another person, and 2) make it clear that there is a particular member of my governing commission who has earned my true respect. She has overcome significant obstacles and difficult circumstances to be an engaged and important member of community-building projects that will positively impact thousands of people. She speaks with the passion of her convictions, and is true to them even when others try to dissuade or restrain her. She plays by the rules, and to win - but her victory is a victory for the disadvantaged, not some petty personal advantage. Sometimes we disagree, and sometimes she allows herself to stray from our statutory restrictions by her desire for justice and parity among all people. In many ways I hope to attain some of her good qualities - steadfastness, sympathy, involvement, and others too. She is good people and undeserving of my antipathy. Even when she irritates me, I am honored to work on her behalf, because she represents the best of what my organization is trying to do. I bite my tongue, embarassed to read my own words. Maybe, if I bite hard enough, I’ll remember for a while, too. Thanks, Geewhiz - whoever you are.
