Comment Controversy

So there is some scuttlebutt going around about the comments being deleted from certain news stories. There have even been some taken off of blogs here and there. I have read the follow up comments blaming The Brazil Times for being "afraid of free speech" or "owned by City Hall" or better yet "in Ann Bradshaw's pocket." Yes, I have received your e-mails about the matter and I have chosen to speak with everyone at once regarding my thoughts instead of copying and pasting the same letter out to everyone.

First off, thanks for writing me and asking me about my opinion on the issue. I know that some of you (you know who you are too! Lol) are expecting me to snort and stomp and go on a rampage that our free speech is being denied. I think I am going to do to you what I have done to others. I am going to let you down. (Trust me it won't be the last time, I have a habit of imperfection)

Fact is, I think certain people are really going off the deep end with what they write on those comments. Seriously, what gives anyone the right to bring personal names of other's who aren't even involved in the stories and then speak ill of them? That is over the line. In fact, in journalism speak its called LIBEL. To disagree with another's policies or stances is fine, but to publicly assassinate character of an uninvolved party is WRONG. To divulge things such as an undocumented dating habit of an official with no legal background as to prove that this is happening and that it is improper is WRONG. It starts to sound like a lot of unhappy, vicious and bored people gathering up for "an old time public lynching" for no better reason than just being able to do it.

I think that there should be a new rule, if you have something controversial you want to divulge and you are true to your word and will back up what you say, then its time to change your screen name to your REAL NAME. Be honest and be courageous. Reporters and public officials must put their name out publicly so that the check and balance system of their words remains intact. In other words, if they cannot back up the talk, they don't speak on it. Perhaps if we all had to do the same, we would think twice and maybe three times about what we would type in the first place. I am not suggesting that all comments must be sunshine and kisses, but let's leave those not involved out of things already.

I hope to see everyone who left nasty comments about the Clay County Humane Society at the Council meeting this Wednesday night at 6p.m. and you can then show your face and speak your mind openly and honestly.

This world is based on differing views and opinions. Every time I write on a topic that someone disagrees with my point of view and they leave a comment or email me, I learn. I have been enlightened and educated on different issues THANKS to those who speak up. However, they always give me their REAL NAMES in e-mail. Why not just do it upfront and then dispel the bologna factor?

Where is it written that if someone disagrees with our points of view that we immediately go on the attack? I may not agree with someone, but I sure as heck will listen to his or her point of view. It's called discourse and discourse is constructive. When I go out here in town, I have people who come up to me all the time feeling the freedom to express their opinions on my writings and I appreciate them all even if I think they are a bit off on their point. The great thing about that is that it keeps communication going and it keeps the learning curve higher in this world of anonymity.

Bottom line is simply this: If you mean what you say and you will stand behind your facts, don't hide behind a façade. Be who you are and be proud of your opinion. Many, many of you who have written me and asked how to make this silliness stop, to you I offer this simple thought. Seems to me that if we begin to have too own up to what we say publicly, then people find out real quickly who the instigators are and who the problem solvers are. I would place my bet any day that the problem solvers FAR OUTWEIGH the instigators on this site and in this wonderful town.

Karen Meister can be reached at: ksframeofmind@yahoo.com.