On Monday, I read a submission in the opinion section titled “We Can Do Better. We Must Do Better.” I was the author. This is my apology.
I wrote the letter last Wednesday and submitted it by email that evening. On Thursday morning, two important things happened. First, over my first cup of coffee, I reviewed my editorial and concluded with fresh perspective that the tone was too harsh, lacked humility and did not well represent my intended message. In the end, it wasn’t fair. Second, I received an email from the editor indicating that my submission was 367 words above the 500-word limit and, thus, could not be published. Possessed with serious second thoughts already, I was relieved. Interestingly enough, that same morning I penned a substantially edited version of my letter and submitted the same to a different local publication (it was still far over 500 words, so I didn’t repeat the attempt here); a submission that, as far as I can see, has not been published.
Later, I had more reason to be glad my editorial wasn’t published. On Friday morning, Mayor Thallemer, Police Chief Whitaker, Dr. Remington and others attended a press conference which was exactly the sort of thing Kosciusko County residents would like to see more of. I enthusiastically applaud that and am hopeful that these kinds of public communications from our community leaders will become increasingly frequent and informative.
Tonight, Monday, I reclined casually in our living room after dinner and opened the Times-Union on my tablet. And there it was. My initial submission “We Can Do Better. We Must Do Better” staring at me from the screen – albeit edited by the paper with the apparent purpose of achieving something closer to a 500-word count. Please know that I find absolutely no fault with the Times-Union for this. I wrote it. I hit send. But what I “sent” was the wrong message. I am my own worse judge, and my first run at this topic was misguided.
So please accept my apology and receive this as my more thoughtful message. To our city hall, county councilmen, other town and county elected officials, healthcare representatives, and community leaders from all quarters, the issues we face in this crisis are constantly evolving. And that calls for regular input and guidance from you. I am stubbornly persuaded that our residents are up to this and any other challenge – especially when equipped with information and guidance. So keep up the precedent that Mayor Thallemer and others set last week by speaking frankly and directly to us. How well are we presently equipped for what might be coming? What do the numbers we see daily mean? Where is help needed and how can folks help? And we have a hundred questions about COVID-19 testing locally, community tracing, business and employment guidelines, city and county government access and many more. But rest assured, we know it’s your first time too! We’ll be gracious. Just keep communicating.
