[Vision2020] THE VIZ - Is It time for a reset ??????

[Jeff Harkins]

Over the past several years, the vitriolic nature of the dialogue posted 
to Vision2020 has become increasingly hostile and in many instances, 
highly personal.

It is one thing to have a robust conversation, even a debate, on the 
pressing issues confronting Moscow and Latah County. That is one of the 
prime objectives of Vision2020.  It is quite another thing when the 
dialogue belittles, harasses, threatens, demeans and/or attacks those 
who express themselves.  Such actions do little to advance the role and 
mission of Vision2020.

Perhaps a review of the Vision2020 Mission Statement will help to remind 
or raise awareness of the intended purpose of this website - the mission 
statement is appended below.

I am reasonably confident that the intent of First Step Internet in 
providing "free" hosting for the site was not to endorse or condone 
personal attacks - chiding, slurring, harassment and threats.  I know 
that as a customer of FSI, I am not interested in helping to fund a site 
that allows unfettered personal attacks on individuals. The recent 
"satire" posting demeaning the words of Councilman Wayne Krauss is a 
prime example of poor and unwarranted behavior.  I know that Councilman 
Krauss would engage in a spirited conversation on most topics. So, if 
one has an issue with the Councilman, engage him in a conversation. To 
mock his view is a discredit to our community - it should stop.

I can only wonder what visitors from other communities think about the 
despicable nature of some of the posts.  Is that the sort of impression 
we want to promote to visitors?

Now, it is true that not everyone posting to the site is guilty of poor 
behavior - but those who frequent the site know that there are numerous 
individuals who do their best to mock, harass and denigrate individuals.

Many will argue that the site should be self policing; the "adult 
participants" should work to discourage poor behavior.  But that doesn't 
seem to be very effective.

To be candid, if the Vision 2020 posters can't find topics more worthy 
than mocking an elected official's comments about "moral decline" it is 
time to shut the blog site down.  There is little to be gained by 
allowing individuals to denigrate our community and its residents by 
lending credibility to the small-minded mean and nasty comments of the few.

Perhaps the VIZ has served its purpose and its usefulness. Or, perhaps 
there should be some "rules" or "protocols" for the Vision2020 site.  
Perhaps the site should be restructured - charge small fee, get a new 
site, establish rules and protocols.

Perhaps those that wish to continue poor behavior and actions that would 
denigrate selected individuals should acquire their own blog site and 
post whatever they wish.

If the VIZ is to continue, its patrons should consider a refocus on the 
stated goals and objectives of the VIZ.

Finally,  according to the Vision2020 website:

Vision 2020 has no bylaws, budget or membership requirements. Its 
activities are coordinated by a _three-member steering committee chosen 
annually by consensus_.


By the way, who are the individuals currently serving on the Steering 
Committee and when is the election for the positions held?


      Vision 2020 Mission Statement Adopted March 1995

 1. To ensure that all parts of our community have an opportunity to
    take part in visualizing and planning for the community's future.

 2. To strengthen citizens' sense of community by promoting awareness,
    ownership and investment in Moscow's future.

 3. To foster cooperation among (and public involvement with) the
    agencies and organizations that plan for and make decisions about
    the future of Moscow and Latah County.

 4. To raise awareness on the part of citizens and public officials that:

     1. uncontrolled and unplanned growth may have negative effects.

     2. short-term decisions have long-term consequences.

 5. To inform ourselves about growth and development issues.

 6. To have fun thinking critically and creatively.


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