Big City Owner (see the cigar?)

There has been a fair amount of grousing about our comment last week, “Worst Nightmare.” Mostly antiannexation folks thought we wrote about annexation. Go back and read. We wrote about behavior.

Below is an example of exactly what we were talking about. This is an anonymous post to The Curb Reporter weblog at tryondailybulletin.com. Read for yourself, and see what sort of spirit is given voice.

“It is evident there are still a lot of Polk County residents that wish to remain outside the limits of cities. Not everyone wants to see their area swell up into big city life such as the owner of this newspaper. It is a shame that residents have to use strong words to get the message across to some who are bent on forcing their own way of life on others. It would be nice if all residents both in city and out could get along, but as long as the power of the press continues to belittle the due process, there will always be strife. Thus, just another day in the life of a big city newspaper owner that has come to a small town and throws his weight around.”

Beg your pardon? This editor never worked in a “big city,” has family roots on a farm, and has lived in the “city” of Tryon for 17 years. He has no power to stop or make change, to “swell up” anything. This is childishness.

“Due process?” Is “due process” now “strong words,” personal attacks? There is no proposal on the table.

Such attempts to demean any who disagree is exactly what we complained of last week. The basic strategy is to isolate and vilify six representatives – for doing their jobs. Regular folk will dive for cover, afraid of taking fire. Thereby, divide, denigrate, with no pang of conscience.

It is beneath our community to join in such a “process.” Good people, give no heed. Shun characters who rant and slander. Their words are but cheap diversions to avoid discussing the issues as adults and neighbors. – JB