No more.
A few months ago, around election time, I wrote a blog regarding civility in this township. Apparently said blog fell on deaf ears.
I have sat back in astonishment at the behavior of some; mainly on the forum at BedfordNow.com where certain individuals simply cannot post anything positive or without negative connotations/attitudes.
Now obviously there are some hot button issues here within the township – Whitman rezoning and the potential upcoming referendum vote, the sewer dispute on Secor south of Smith to the state line, school funding, etc. Lots of different individuals have differing ideas on what to do in these situations or are otherwise on opposite sides of the argument. Some are classy and respectful whilst participating in debate regarding these subjects while others are degrading, demeaning, and otherwise unkind.
Why? What is there to gain to your cause by acting in such a manner? Do you honestly think people will alter their frame of mind or thinking if you belittle or demean them? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Continuing to act in these manners will only serve to further divide our community. Facing the issues that we are this could have serious and detrimental side effects. While we don’t always need to agree on issues we should be able to seek out common ground, compromise, or at least engage in respectful and civil conversation.
I will continue to engage in this type of conversation on the forum, with my neighbors, and on this blog. I certainly hope that others will join in with me. And while we’re at it .. please take the time to join the forum at BedfordNow.com and engage in the conversation there.
If this is the same Keith Godfrey that I remember your behavior wasn’t always the best either.
Well, not knowing who I am responding to makes it difficult to answer to this statement.
If we’re referring to my adolescent and teen years I did suffer from an issue with temper while engaged in competitive events. Not to excuse such behavior but not an issue that is largely uncommon for highly competitive and still maturing individuals. I’m proud to say I have outgrown this aspect of my life.
Like any young person growing up I certainly made my fair share of mistakes as well.
However, if the attempt is to try to paint me as an individual who was unkind and lacked civility when dealing with others you’re completely mistaken.
Let’s face it .. as residents of this township we’re in this together. We don’t always have to agree and we don’t always have to see eye-to-eye, however, we do all have to live with the results. Hopefully we can learn to reach those results through civilized and respectful debate and an understanding that when we speak up it’s because we care and not because we dislike someone of the opposing viewpoint.