I was wrong.
Not in what I said, but the way I said it.
If you read what I said carefully you will see that I did not say one negative thing about farming or farmers. Indeed, I hold them in high regard. If I had not spoken so caustically I would not have offended one of them to the point they felt they needed to respond with a letter. I apologize for that tone.
I still believe strongly in the points I made. What I am uncomfortable with is that I used language and attitude that was divisive and combative instead of simply making those points. I was angry. I had even waited a few days after my initial anger to write — but apparently not long enough.
I am new to being considered a “community leader.” In the past when folks listened to what I had to say it was through song and generally not about any kind of hot topic. I have a lot to learn about speaking from the pulpit.
If I offended you with my recent Point of View piece, I apologize. Don’t get me wrong, I believe it is very important to speak for folks who want to see jobs and prosperity continue to come to this community. I just want to be sure I make it a point of view, not a rant.
What I hope to engender is a community that actually discusses instead of just cusses; one that can share points of view without sounding like a fundamentalist; one that can sometimes just agree to disagree without either glorifying or vilifying.
There are usually at least two perspectives on any issue, sometimes more. Let’s speak our minds and hearts while also committing ourselves to really listening to each other. A quality community can be built on this solid foundation.
Monte Davis, executive director
Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center