I believe that behaving in a reasonably civil fashion toward each other is part of what makes a truly wonderful community. Part of why I love being from here and why I have come back after several forays around the country and overseas is that most people are here because they want to be and most really care about the community.
If we're to continue to grow generations of good leaders, do the right things for St. Paul's future, make sure this is a great place to raise families and work and play and go to school, then we have to find ways to work together in civil ways. A key piece of that is simply not tolerating threats, harrassment, and hate in public forums. Passion is wonderful, and essential, to move great causes forward. But participation in this forum -- and in many other venues -- is a privilege, not a right. There is no protection for people who abuse others to the extent we're discussing. And those on this forum, posters and lurkers alike, who are clearly committed to making at least this small part of our world a better place, should not have to be periodically abused in order to stay engaged. This forum is about making St. Paul's future even greater than its past. And all the ingredients are here in this town to do so, with more wonderful people and resources and talent arriving every day. We are so lucky. And we're so privileged to have the education, background, capacity, time, and interest to be able to connect with others on this e-forum. With that privilege comes the responsibility to provide lots of space for many others to participate by our sides, and, whenever necessary, to stand up and stop hate speech/mail, threats, harrassment, bullying, intimidation, and discrimination. That's what engaged citizens must do, and we do it because we can -- and because others often can't. With Tim's recent reposting of the invitation to participate in the e-Democracy rules discussion, and his posts about process, I hope he's subtly laying the groundwork for some further discussion of this. In any case, I remain grateful for his public service as list moderator that helps further the great cause of community building. So, lurkers and regular posters alike, let me publicly restate my commitment to civil discourse on behalf of St. Paul's future, along with passion and energy and a willingness to listen and engage others. I hope others feel similarly, and that as a result we will hear from more people over time, and grow membership to reflect the diverse range of interests and thinking that makes St. Paul such a fine place to live. -- Anne Carroll _______________________________ Anne R. Carroll Carroll, Franck & Associates Strategic Planning, Communications, and Public Involvement 1357 Highland Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116 USA <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 651-690-9162 School Board: 651-690-9156 "A politician worries about the next election. A true states[wo]man worries about the next generation, and children yet unborn." - e.e. cummings "...leadership is about how you bring out the best in people. Leadership is what you give to the community you live in. Leadership is what you give to the world. Leadership is how you live an honest life... You will be more credible and you will be more powerful if you do not separate the lives you live from the words you speak." -- Paul Wellstone _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
