Is Talk Roswell [NEGATIVE or CONCERNED?]

[mfish]

Explaining the difference between being "negative" and being "concerned" - and how being concerned is a good thing ...

There have been a few comments (a bit of feedback, if you will) regarding the posts on "Talk Roswell" being of a "negative" nature. In fact, there have been some isolated instances of certain people trying to pressure certain groups and businesses to "dis-associate" themselves from Talk Roswell. (Whenver that happens, you gotta think someone's paying attention!) :new_shocked:

My first reply to that feedback is to ask, "define 'negative.'"

It seems the mentality of quite a few people in Roswell is "if you don't blindly agree with something, you're just being negative."

And that's just not true.

First of all: There is a HUGE difference between being "negative" and being "concerned."

Sure, there are people who are frustrated with the "status quo" - that's part of being an American, isn't it? The country is full of "armchair quarterbacks" who sit back and watch and comment and critique each and every move made by anyone - they rarely step out and make those comments publicly though, because they're afraid of public criticism and potential humiliation.

And then, there are those who make the effort to think something through and arrive at an alternative solution to a current issue. But, they can't get an audience or an opportunity to offer up their ideas, because they don't "belong" to the "right" clique or committee ... or "happy hour crowd."

This forum offers an outlet for ALL types of people. A "user name" can protect you from potential "humiliation" if you so desire, and you CAN offer up alternative solutions here on any issue facing the city. You can even defend the status quo without regard to potential personal attack, because of your anonymous user name.

Offering up your CONCERNS about reckless spending, stupid ordinances, certain candidates, and other public servants is NOT "negative." It's actually a true showing of your wishes for a better Roswell. And until now, most folks in Roswell didn't have the outlet to VOICE those concerns, so they stewed in the juices of frustration and became more and more apathetic, thinking there was nothing they could do to promote POSITIVE CHANGE. Ever think that might have been "by design" ...?

Voicing your concerns about underpaid police officers and firefighters, ineffective community agencies, the state of public education, and do-nothing city councilors is NOT being "negative" - in fact, I'd argue that you now have a way to be PRO-ACTIVE by being RE-active towards some of things that go on in Roswell.

It's important to offer up alternative solutions, too. That's part of YOUR responsibility as a resident of Roswell. There's never just "one way" to accomplish a thing. There are ALWAYS alternatives - and once those alternatives are explored, the BEST way surfaces and the BEST solution becomes the best path to progress. That's what this forum offers, too - alternative solutions to issues facing Roswell. Not all the alternatives are better than the current plan, and sometimes the current plan is the obvious "best" pathway.

Being quick to offer kudos to the good things going on, and the good deeds being done is also important, and has been done on many occasions here among the "Talk Roswell" family. POSITIVE FEEDBACK on POSITIVE ACTIONS.

But until YOU have the opportunity to banter back and forth and look at all the potential avenues - the "one way" will continue to be forced upon you with little regard to your feelings about it.

Exploration has always been human nature. Whether it's exploration of new lands or new ideas - it's what's made us reach the top of food chain.

Berating "new" ideas by labeling them as "negative" and trying to beat back alternative thoughts is actually more "negative" than embracing communal exchange.

So ... who's being "negative" actually, when someone speaks ill of "Talk Roswell" and tries to usurp its progress, or denounce its validity? :confused:

[ulsterscot]

Gotcha,
Its the same in life, if you are around a negative person, who feels like he is the only one out there that matters. you eventually will be like him. We need to be positive and have a positive outlook on things, instead of dwelling on the negative. But at the same time, our council persons need to answer our questions and not feel we are pressuring them under negative feelings. Our "leaders" need to know our concerns and answer them with foresight.

[mfish]

Ulsterscot, I'm one of the most cynical people I know and I get very frustrated when I observe things that just aren't kosher, or could be done a in more effective way (someone once told me my "BS" detector must be set on "high" at all times:naughty:).

So I tend to be as critical - or even more so, than the average member posting on this site. And, I'm sure my "style" of pragmatic cynicism is a bit hard for some to read, too. I don't mean offense, but I don't sugar coat out of fear of retribution, either.

I spent a lot of years "tilting windmills" in Roswell and still hold a very strong affinity towards that town - one reason is because so many have had such a hard time being heard. This forum has broken through that barrier, and it just chaps my butt when some automatically pull out the "negative" card simply because there are folks offering up concerns and alternative thought processes regarding certain issues.

So I say - keep the comments coming & the topics alive, folks - and fear not! Talk Roswell is here to stay and is gaining new members daily!

And if anyone happens to make the comment to you that Talk Roswell is "negative," ask them to define that word, and then ask them if they recognize the difference between being negative and showing concern.

[ulsterscot]

I wish these council persons would reply to some of these questions we ask. We need to know. How are we going to know what they stand for if we don't hear from them!!!! I still haven't seen any replies. So am I being negative, cynical or just wanting to know where they stand?:confused::vertag:

[mfish]

In my humble opinion, you are being REASONABLE.

[kralspaces]

Everything I post on this forum is for you, the citizens of Roswell. I write my post to provoke thought. I do my best to research a topic, provide the facts, offer my opinion and then hope that I have been able to get you to think it through for yourself and offer your opinion. This forum is not about communicating to the City Council. It is about communicating with all of Roswell and the City Council and Mayor are part of that audience. When I want to communicate directly to a person about any topic, I will call them on the phone or I will email them. Do they respond to my emails? Yes, except for the Mayor because he would rather lecture me at the MLK Breakfast in front of people who had no idea why he was doing it. Is that last sentence [NEGATIVE]? No, because it is what happened.

If this forum is being considered as [NEGATIVE] by some, it is not because Talk Roswell IS [NEGATIVE], but it is because of that person’s perception. Anyone who says that Talk Roswell is [NEGATIVE] is saying more about their own view of life, then anything about this forum.

Ask Dan Foley want he thinks of the RDR? Of course he is going to think that the RDR is [NEGATIVE] because the RDR has been reporting about his mischief antic in a very slanted way. But you have to ask your self why this is? If you have read Dan's internet letter (posted in this forum) you will be able to form your on opinion and answer that question. Now let’s flip this scenario. Why does the RDR think Dan Foley is so [NEGATIVE]? Could it being because of his arrogant attitude? Maybe! Maybe not. So, do I sound [NEGATIVE] because I am talking about this? No. I am just talking about it because this forum is Talk Roswell.

These same people who say that this forum is [NEGATIVE] are probably the same people that say “you can’t believe what you read in the RDR”. If the RDR reports something that they don’t agree with, then you are not supposed to believe what the RDR printed. God gave us all free will and I choose to express mine through this forum, because it is NOT CENSORED.

[mfish]

Offering up one's opinions regarding issues facing Roswell today is nothing more than being a good citizen, showing your concern for the welfare of Roswell. More and more good citizens are finding TalkRoswell and are using it well. Offering findings and research - even when the information goes against the grain of what those in control are trying to purport as "what's best for you," is another good example of being a good citizen. And that's why this forum and website is so important to the on-going real PROGRESS of Roswell.

Some people - like perhaps the mayor, the city council, the chamber, other elected offcials and their minions, don't WANT that type of "good citizens," especially if the concern of the citizens exposes the less-than-stellar and some times not-too-well-thought-out antics of the mayor, council, chamber, and other elected officials.

They'd rather have mindless followers ready to blindly accept whatever pablum is fed through a very controlled method of information dissemination. To them, those are the "good citizens." The ones who never question, never wonder "what if" and never ever speak up publicly to voice an opposing opinion.

I don't know about you, but I just couldn't live like that ...

[kralspaces]

The ‘tattler newsletter’ was the alternative in the 90’s. Now Tom has moved on in life and it is up to the younger generation to step in and take charge of their future.

The RDR, the only newspaper in town, went on-line in 2006 with a reader comments feature available for local articles only. However, this is a very ‘censored’ format because only selective comments are actually published and the feature is not available to state or national articles. The RDR also publishes ‘letters to the editor’ as they see fit, again very censored.

KBIM TV is now the only local news program and it too is very selective about the news you get to hear and no feedback feature is available.

Then there is Matt, on the radio, with local updates on what’s happening in and around Roswell. All the radio talk shows that I have found are national and very one sided, so it is difficult to get other opinions.

If you have the time, there are Civic Organization, fraternal clubs and other social groups limited to membership in some cases and time constraints in all cases.

Now there is TalkRoswell.com as an uncensored alternative to voice your concerns and opinions at any time of the day or night.
TalkRoswel.com is a very unique forum because it is locally operated by and for the citizens of Roswell. Most forums are nationally managed with extension for geographical areas. There are many forums in New Mexico from relocation, high tech, genealogy, youth, religious, any topic and others. All one has to do is goggle on ‘forums in New Mexico’ and you will get an endless list of sites. I am a member on several of these forums for specific reason. For example, www.topix.com provides me access to the nuclear industry and what is going on down in Hobbs and Eunice NM with the Uranium Enrichment Project. All these other forums provide people of New Mexico a way to express their concerns and have discussion with others on specific subjects.

So why would anyone think that a forum is negative? Only those who are insecure with themselves would state something like that. Is there positive and negative comments posted on any forum? That can only be answered by the person with the perception. It’s their perception and they own it. It has nothing to do with me or any forum’s user community.

If you ask me, the official city web site or the Chamber web site should have a comment section for visitors to post opinions of their experience visiting our city. Now that would be interesting. BTW, that idea came to me from our own 'Pete' TalkRoswell.com member and world traveler.

[ulsterscot]

If you want to hear some good news listen to KCKN. Then try contacting them and see if they will announce about TalkRoswell. Its worth a try.

[ltccuster]

How about an ad in the RDR or letters to the editor re this site? Flyers placed on vehicles in the city hall parking areas? An invitation to councilpersons to become members and express their views (and hopefully respond to some questions).

[mfish]

Itccuster - all good ideas - and all have some expense tied to them. Please click on the "donation" icon to make a donation that will be used exclusively for advertising purposes.

[ltccuster]

Negative is a relative term depending on your perception of what is said or written. If you perceive it as complimentary it's positive. If people are complaining, legitimately or not, you may perceive that as negative but in a democratic society, where supposedly government is of the people and for the people, all their questions, compliments and yes complaints should be heard and answered whether they are perceived as negative or not. We don't elect people, or hire them as city employees, to only serve and respond to voters who lick their boots or bathe them in praise. When you voluntarily enter politics, even at this local level, you're opening yourself up to alittle heat as well as the many benefits that go with political office. You shouldn't hide among your supporters and dismiss those who have legitimate criticisms and valid complaints. You especially should be responsive to questions. If you don't like that heat in the political kitchen then you shouldn't hold a public office.

Any local politician or city official that comes to this site is welcome to express their viewpoints as far as I know. It's encouraged. For those who log-in, scan the sites, rationalize that any criticisms are just the words of some fruitcakes unworthy of a reply, you are failing to serve your constituency and the people of Roswell, including the fruitcakes, the favored few and all those in between.

[kralspaces]

The Mayor and City Council have been invited and some have registered. Also, some of the County Commissioners have registered as well. NONE have ever posted and I don't think they will.

Of the candidates running for City Council, 2 have posted answers to citizens questions. So we are making some progress, just not enough, quick enough.

[mfish]

MOST of them are intimidated by the anonimity of this forum (they're afraid they may pop off to someone they'll have to face at the next photo-op chamber function) or they're intimidated by the notion of having an open and honest discussion, since they rarely experience open and honest discussions...

[Rainbow]

Kral, in my humble opinion, I believe that being nagative means a person complains and rehashes old news, but does nothing about it to move forward.

It is so easy to dwell on the past...bring up things in the past. Of course we learn from the past, but "GET OVER IT...", take what can be learned and move forward.

I appreciate that you go a step beyond and you do your research, you talk to people, you seek answers and are getting involved. Good for you. I think it is great to see you going in a positive direction on Talk Roswell.

[mfish]

Well, "hindsight being 20/20" and all ... :rolleyes:

Actually, any good historian will tell you that you need to learn from history - otherwise, you are condemned to repeat it.

So often times, it's important to "dwell on the past," to remind folks not to repeat the past ...

Oh, wait - Maples is about to be a city councilor - AGAIN. :puke:

Stubbs is running for city councilor - AGAIN (thankfully, she has an opponent).:new_shocked:

See a pattern here ...?

Kinda tough to "get over" things like that when they're about to rise up and torment Roswell once again, huh?

So if "some people" (like ME, for instance) care enough to remind folks about the past - hoping that it will not be repeated, then I don't look at that as being negative, but being CONCERNED, as well.

Sometimes using one's memory and sharing past experiences, is "research" enough, too.

Going in a positive direction means NOT repeating the "sins" or errors of one's past, Rainbow. And sometimes, you must be reminded of them to be able to avoid repetition.

[Neil]

An old quote, but still valid today.

"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things"

Sir Winston Churchill