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

[Jeff Harkins]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Re: [Vision2020] THE VIZ - Is It time for a reset ??????
Date: 	Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:46:01 -0800
From: 	Jeff Harkins <jeffh at moscow.com>
Reply-To: 	jeffh at moscow.com
To: 	Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com>



I could not disagree with you more - individuals are entitled to 
respect.  Certainly one is entitled to criticize a public officials 
positions on issues - it is inappropriate to launch personal attacks.

On 1/25/2013 10:42 AM, Tom Hansen wrote:
> 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 
> <mailto: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
>>
>>  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.
>>
>>
>> =======================================================
>> 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
>> =======================================================



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