Respect might be what we should aspire to |
| August 8, 2013 |
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I’ve been catching a bit of flack regarding some
articles and opinions I’ve published of late
that seem to imply something, but don’t really
say much. I don’t write from malice or to cast
aspersion. “Why don’t you talk to those you appear to be writing about and get the real story?” I’m asked. If and when I get solid, verifiable allegations, believe me, I will. Some might come to wish that questions had been left unasked, but I hope not. I would much prefer that those concerned about what’s written on these pages, before worrying if it’s they being written about and taking umbrage, take a moment instead to wonder if the shoe might perhaps fit. And if so, why. Public. Service. Perception. Three words that all public servants; hired, appointed or elected, should always keep uppermost in mind. Public is the people you are privileged to serve. Service is what you are entrusted to provide. Perception is how those you serve perceive how well you’re doing. If the perception is foul, and voiced by many, something in the definition of those first two words have been misplaced by the servants entrusted. The public, to some of its servants, becomes an unruly animal best ignored. The din, the cacophony. The myriad opposing sides and interests can’t all seem to be taken into account, and it seems easiest and best to shut them out in the interest of doing the work that has to be done by those who purport to know best. That’s where trust begins breaking down, and misperceptions arise. If it doesn’t look or smell good, even the best intentioned and most innocent actions gain the taint of suspicion. None of my opinions as expressed in these pages has been aimed at casting aspersions on anyone or any group of public servants. In one, I used an old Navy term, “shot across the bow.” A shot across the bow was a courtesy, an honorable way of asking an enemy to heave to and avoid an all-out fusillade, typically from a ship of superior force … in other words, an opportunity to save their ship. This publication is a small vessel, indeed, with no shot or ammo save for the words and ability to voice the words of those in that big, huge dreadnaught that is public opinion. I don’t think any of us want to sink a ship of public servants; most of us, if called upon, I believe we would do our best to defend it; we are proud of this place we call home. Perhaps a fourth word needs added; respect. That’s a thing you can’t get unless you give it, and that may well be the ingredient we should all be working toward. |
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Mike Weland Publisher newsbf.com |