ANC2C Meeting 9/6

Well, this blog got a bit more attention than I had bargained for when it became a subject for heated discussion at the end of the ANC2C meeting last night. It began when one attendee objected to critical comments directed against Commission Chairman Thorpe, who then observed that the person responsible for the blog was sitting at the table and said that the blog was spreading malicious allegations that would divide the community. Several other people spoke up to praise Chairman Thorpe’s activism and his key role in reducing crime in the area, noting how different the situation was today compared with only a few years ago.

When I was finally recognized to speak, I acknowledged that I was the blog’s author, but pointed out that I had never written anything disrespectful or critical about Mr. Thorpe in the blog and specifically had never posted anything claiming that he was “homophobic,” but I do not control what other people say in their comments. I added that I saw the blog as a way of getting out information to people in the community, particularly newcomers, who are unaware of neighborhood issues and developments and who might not even know, for example, that the ANC exists or what it does.

I spoke with Mr. Thorpe after the meeting, and I believe that things are okay between us.

To any readers who may be upset about comments others have posted to this blog, let me say to you what I said to Mr. Thorpe: He has my great respect and appreciation for all of the work he has done for many years to turn this community around and to try to make it, in his words, clean, safe, and drug-free. I believe that is a goal that everyone—black or white, gay or straight—can agree on, and one we should all work together to achieve.

I have tried to be as fair and even-handed as possible in what I post here. I consider this blog to be something of a forum and I believe that having people informed about issues, problems, and achievements in the community can help neighbors get to know each other and get more involved in neighborhood affairs.

I also believe people have a right to express their opinions and will allow anyone to post comments (as Commissioner Thorpe himself has done) as long as they do not appear to be obscene, grossly offensive, or obviously untrue. So say what you want to say, but please, let’s keep it civil. And kindly identify yourself in some way when you post a comment.