Bravo, Bill! So well stated!
I totally agree! I have stayed away from this site for months because of what was voted on about doing away with it and going to the e-group venue (see ''Alley Trash: It Takes a Village'', paragraph 1). I was honoring what the majority wanted/voted on, yet months later the site remains here and some of those who expressed the desire to keep this site free of ''negative'' debate/commentary have some of the most ''negative'' stuff posted. Personally, I embrace substantive debate as long as no personal attacks or disrespect are involved. I personally was accused of both of the above, but my posts never, ever personally attacked anyone--either in letter or in spirit/intent. I was discussing issues (and board members at that time were ASKED to start threads/debates to get this board going) and I disagreed with the majority. That disagreement was equated with personal attack, which I feel was very unfair. And I became a lightening rod/scapegoat for all of the discussion about the direction this message board should take. The whole thing was very unfair, IMHO. I'm still getting over it! But what I won't do anymore is stay away from this board. As long as it is here, I'm here. And I'm going to speak about whatever I want to--because THAT is what Kenwood is all about--community, discussion, caring about the neighborhood, being passionate about it. THAT is the way I want to ''market'' the neighborhood. We are not the Stepford Wives--we are not utopia. But we are the most special, dynamic, wonderful, ''intentional'' neighborhood I've ever known, and I love Historic Kenwood very much. And I owe it to the neighborhood to speak my mind and not be stifled anymore. Thanks for reminding us all of that--free exchange is a GOOD thing, a HEALTHY thing--let's not fear it!!!!!!!!!!!