Perhaps others are willing to just let your vessel sail by, as just another, if small, addition to the armada of trash-laden ships that passes for currently acceptable political discourse. But I expected much better of you. When you’ve used your evident creativity and keen intelligence to analyze our problems and recommend sound strategies for their solution, that has done a great service, even if you highlighted the folly of certain policymakers (myself included). But your post this time is no more than a cheap shot at the Mayor, Vice Mayor and a former Council member, and it is unworthy of the flagship for responsible journalism that the FCT can represent. Moreover, it seems quite cynical — if the city really is in such dire shape, your post is like calling for another happy tune from the band while the ship sinks. I suggest that you apologize and steer a course for a brighter horizon.

“Bob Young, Robin Gardner , Carol Jackson, and Nick Benton are so cozy they would not mind sharing a toothbrush. Thank goodness Bob saved Carol’s project and Robin is still mayor to push it through and Nick can spin it the way they all agree they want to. Credit to all of you. You know how to work the system and now that Saunder is out of the way and the only hurdle left is the 5 part pushover council, the finish line is in sight. No proffers and no parking spaces and no left turns out of the buildings. Sounds like an awesome deal for the City. Dan Sze will even sit back and say, “We are driving development here in the City.” What a joke…! Giving all our “developer attraction money” to help build an affordable apartment building that will not house hardly any currently rent burdened residents and putting a feather in the cap of Carol sounds like a good use of our money to me. Bravo!”

George keeps bringing up the same subject of abandoning ship over and over despite it not getting any traction with most citizens. I think that is the definition of a “dead horse.” I am not saying it isn’t a valid option, but at this moment it is not on the table at all.

I imagine in the next three months waters will be choppy, but I am hoping for real honest discussion of our issues including long-term financial management, forecasting budgets, taxes versus services, development goals, etc.

Melissa, lighten up. George’s piece was an attempt at humor and satire— mockery is a natural component. (See Rob’s excellent post using a similar technique.) The subject matter is most definitely not a “dead horse.” We are in a nasty bind which, unlike the common cold, cannot be blamed entirely on either George Bush or Barack Obama. As you so correctly state: “the up-coming election is very important to our future.” If George’s article bothered you that much, you will never survive the next three months!

Enjoy and contemplate the above link during the snow.

I have no idea what the FCT policies are regarding “letters to the editor.” I assume that they review them and reserve the right not to post everything submitted. The FCNP certainly edits letters to the editor — Nick has cut out some of my best lines!

As to Blueweeds, there is this common assumption that because I post there that I am somehow tied in with Mike and agree with all of his views. That is flatly ridiculous. First, he and I come from very different places politically. Secondly, I personally don’t have to agree with a site to read it and enjoy it. For goodness sakes, I read HuffingtonPost and Firedoglake just to get mad enough to get myself going in the morning.

Love him or hate him, Mike was an innovator in this town (I doubt there would be a FCT without there having first been a Blueweeds), some of his stuff is very funny and he lets me post what I please. I am not sure that I need to know or agree with any more.