Many times issues are so close to us that we do not see them...inherently most humans want to see the good in others and do not see the subtlety that exists in people forwarding their own agenda. Mr. Andy Ashurst of the Mitchell County News Journal has been placed in a position to forward his leanings thru his position as editor. Fortunately very soon there may be another outlet for sharing news as well as being a true voice of the people here in Mitchell.....keep your eye out for that. Mr. Ashurst has not only forwarded his agenda but has used his position to alter the words, the lack of full communication ...a strategic silence ...perpetrated by our editor, by deleting OUR words changes there meaning and our course potentially. These again are letters TO the editor and not letter FROM the editor, however the words are his not ours, and those words are used to convey his agenda not our thoughts. This is not the first time this has occurred and many here can attest to these facts. I suggest if unfair silencing of your voice as a community just flay out pisses you off..that you contact the owners of MNJ, Community Newspapers Inc. at tel:(800) 226-0692...Tom Wood nor Phil Hudgens apparently think enough of our dollars as customers to respond to the simple question of their policy on editing letter to the editor..... For the record my UNEDITED letter TO the editor is below.....the work published in the Paper should be attributed to Mr. Ashurst and not me.... Recently I was motivated to connect with a group of concerned citizens. I was asked to do an economic summit. 28 years’ experience and an advanced degree give me the ability to comprehend economic analysis. Having no interest in holding political office gives me the security to be truthful. Through other group member connections we were lucky enough to have world renowned economist, Dr. Mike Munger of Duke University as a guest speaker. Given the status of our guest speaker and the energy of community comments privately, we anticipated a solid attendance from our leaders and community. Our thought was there was no way good caring leaders and an engaged community would miss THIS opportunity. We were wrong. I spent my own finances and time to present a fairly in depth analysis. Previously I have offered to sponsor events in the community. Our “leaders” showed such little respect, that they did not respond on eight separate occasions. I met with other professional leaders in our community that were so engaged that they answered email during our scheduled "meeting". Having been in successful in business for 28 years this was mind boggling. After the event many asked me why the doom and gloom? The simple, consistent answer is; because the numbers are gloomy. I was asked if our situation is reversible, and the honest answer is absolutely yes it can be "fixed". We presented ideas as possible fixes. I was also asked my opinion as to would we be successful, and that honest answer is, I do not think we will succeed. You see, can we and will we are very different concepts. The truth is that I sense total apathy, no belief and no desire to change course. We look at our leaders as the ones in charge and forget they are accountable to us as citizens. Governing is a tough job made tougher when the community does not participate. When leadership also disrespects its citizens the situation becomes almost impossible. Citizens are obligated to share their vision as much as leaders are obligated to listen. It is the responsibility of both sides to participate. As citizens our obligation goes beyond our vote and paying our taxes. I would like to personally thank; WTOE, Mitchell News Journal, and Commissioners Bill Slagle and Joe Street for representing the county commission. Thanks also to Senator Ralph Hise and Representative Josh Dobson. I also appreciate the response in advance from Robert Branch of Mayland and Commissioner Keith Holzclaw that they would not be available. As citizens we should all be disappointed that no one in our school system, local college or the EDC found Dr. Munger, the local economic picture or citizens efforts important enough to listen too or thank. I hope we will remember people and leaders are defined by what they do or do not do … and not by what they say. We have the opportunity to express that we understand that concept daily and at the next election. Ray Perkins
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:17:04 +0000
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