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<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>Debbie, et al,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>Debbie expresses frustration, concern, etc.
that several regular posters to V 2020 are obsessed with Cult Master Douglas
Wilson and some of his minions and also that we are not
constructive.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>There have been many replies to Debbie's
thoughtful post (which probably echoes the sentiment of many others); I think
some points need to be emphasized.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>1. I know many of the V
2020 posters that Debbie is critical of -- some personally, others by
proxy. Perhaps, Debbie is unaware that almost all, if not all, of these
posters belong to at least one community service organization and dedicate time
and effort to community betterment. Many of these posters also contribute
a substantial amount of money to a wide variety of local community service
organizations and causes. Hence, the insinuation that we are a bunch of
malcontent, bitching negativists is not quite correct.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>2. Of the same group of
posters: All of us would probably love to see a vital, commercially
diverse, downtown Moscow. However, we would like also to see that all of
these endeavors pay their fair share of taxes. This is not happening
now. Not only are some businesses tax-exempt in some way, including the
chamber of commerce, there appear to be some businesses that are cheating on
sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes, etc. Perhaps as a result of
Rose's and Saundra's work some of these organizations will now be investigated
much more carefully.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>3. The beliefs of
the Cult Master Wilson and his Christ Church Cult have egregious behavioral
consequences. For example, young girls and women attached to the cult in
various ways will be led to believe that they are inferior in several
ways. Besides being a false belief by observation, this belief
cripples female children and discourages them from full achievement; it is
little more than blatant child abuse.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>Further, when a female child is so
crippled, not only is she harmed, but all of us are. We are deprived of
the full gamut of contributions to society she might make. Her future
spouse is deprived of the many facets of knowledge and experience she might
contribute to the relationship when deservedly considered an equal and
encouraged to behave as same.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>4. Calling (even
repeatedly) attention to a problem is not necessarily being negative.
Progress is made by recognizing problems, defining and redefining them, and
searching for solutions. Jack does not like the "venom" sometimes found on
V 2020 (he probably echoes the sentiments of many others also). There are
several reasons for the venom, some are obvious, some not. Sometimes the
venom discourages responses. This probably not good. However, a
little bit of reflection might show that venom can have several benefits
also. To those that think "civil discourse" is the rule in most forums, I
would point to the British Houses of Lords and Commons as forums which are at
least as uncivil as V 2020. Forums on purely technical matters are
sometimes completely civil; those on religious, social, and political ones
seldom are. This is not always bad.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>For example, Jon Kimberling and I have
discussed and insulted each other both on and off V 2020. However,
that we have called each other a number of unflattering names does not mean we
could not work together in person to solve a current problem of some moment for
the community and chamber. It does not mean that we do not agree on a wide
variety of issues of concern to the community. I do not take most name
calling and personal attacks seriously for very long. I do not think
others do also. As a critical thinker, I must also consider whether some
of the venom is justified in several different ways. For example, I do not
think it too unruly to insult someone who condemns my rhetoric on fiduciary
trust matters but who takes as a partner someone who has participated in a major
way the largest breach of fiduciary trust in the recent history of the State of
Idaho and who thereby has severely and adversely impacted the university and
this community for years to come.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>5. Thomas Jefferson (I
think) said:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>"Eternal vigilance is the price of
liberty."</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>Debbie, while many of us could certainly
improve our manners on V 2020 (although such an improvement might lead to a
decline in interest and entertainment value), I think what you see with regard
to the cult on V 2020 and elsewhere are honest attempts to apply Jefferson's
adage.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Verdana Ref" size=4>Respectfully,</FONT></DIV><FONT
face="Verdana Ref" size=4>
<DIV><BR>Wayne</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Art Deco (Wayne Fox)<BR><A
href="mailto:deco@moscow.com">deco@moscow.com</A><BR></FONT></DIV>
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