The day started with an email from a Town employee who was “disappointed” in Stockbridge Updates.
I went to the post office and a man I did not recognize said, “Wait.” I stopped, he reached around me, opened the door, and said, “It is a pleasure to open the door for such a good writer.”
I went to the hospital, and a woman said, “I don’t want to interrupt you.”
I was in Radiology, staring at the ceiling, beginning my second hour waiting for a scan. It was a delight to be interrupted.
She said, “I so appreciate Stockbridge Updates — just knowing what is going on in Town. I wanted to thank you.”
That is how it was, and that is how it should be.
The people appreciate the press; the government does not. Press and government are opposing forces and that too is how it should be. It’s like the checks and balances between the three branches of government. Without the press checking the government, it can run amok. The government also checks the press by pointing out errors. (See the next section — Correction.) As long as the public is the beneficiary, and receives the most information, it’s all good.
Facts are immutable. With respect to opinions, in a democracy, to disagree is acceptable even desirable. It ignites discussion through which the most information is brought forth, and the best solutions are found.
To dislike because you disagree is less than desirable. It may be the underlying cause of our current national problems. Let’s not open that door in Stockbridge. Just because we disagree, let’s not cast aspersions, make false accusations, use the law like a cudgel, or vandalize one another’s cars. That is indeed undesirable.
Stockbridge has been a model for all sides working together. We acknowledge we disagree, make clear on what topic, and define why. Throughout we remain good neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Whatever the disagreement was about, for the common good, we solved it.
Issues come and go: win some lose some. The disagreement was always separate from, and less important than, getting along. Let’s do that again.
Carole Owens
Executive Editor