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

[Tom Hansen]

Mr. Harkins . . .

The city council's public lives (such as when they are in session) are public domain.  As such, they should expect, or at least anticipate, some degree of ridicule (as long as it is clean) from those who strongly disagree with them.

Seeya round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares"
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"There's room at the top they are telling you still 
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill 
If you want to be like the folks on the hill."

- John Lennon
 

On Jan 25, 2013, at 10:35 AM, Jeff Harkins <jeffh at moscow.com> wrote:

> 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
> 
> To ensure that all parts of our community have an opportunity to take part in visualizing and planning for the community's future. 
> 
> To strengthen citizens' sense of community by promoting awareness, ownership and investment in Moscow's future. 
> 
> 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. 
> 
> To raise awareness on the part of citizens and public officials that: 
> 
> uncontrolled and unplanned growth may have negative effects. 
> 
> short-term decisions have long-term consequences.
> 
> To inform ourselves about growth and development issues. 
> 
> To have fun thinking critically and creatively.
> 
> =======================================================
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
>               http://www.fsr.net
>          mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> =======================================================
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/attachments/20130125/4d61b9e0/attachment-0001.html>