Let's say I was still teaching, and not retired.
Let's say this was a civics discussion, and you were my students.
First of all, I would remind the users of profanity that the effectiveness of that means of expression is virtually nil, particularly with the educated policy makers of a community.
A hundred years ago, use of verbal profanity could well result in ones mouth being washed out with soap.
Type profanity on line? Well' I guess one should at least wash their hands!
Mr. Polensek seems to have been frustrated in his efforts to deal with this young man. Although I've not seen the text of his remarks, I've seen a TV interchange between Polensek and the mother (she, by phone) so I have a general idea about what went down. I really think the situation could have been handled a great deal better. Considering the historic communication difficulties between the groups of people in his ward, it would seem that the councilman could have expressed himself with a bit more care.
If for example as alleged, the word "moron" was used in some way, that used to be a term for certain people having certain mental capabilities. It is not commonly used today, and is certainly not a complementary term when applied in a pejorative sense.
Could there have been a better way to express his concerns? I believe so.
As one who had to deal with the public for 31 years, I've constantly needed to remind myself and my colleagues that a certain respect and courtesy is always in order, particularly with one's written communication. One placed in a position of authority needs to be mindful of the public trust placed in him, or her.
To me, one of the best things about coming from a small Pennsylvania town to the "big city" was being around a wealth of different people. Some people do seem more at home "among their own", but that's not me.
I've learned the blues from the best of the black musicians, Slovenian Polkas from the Slovaks, heck, I even spent awhile in a Greek band. What an experience for a drummer! All of these people made good money here in Cleveland. Never once was I bothered while playing in bands around town! I've played for Arabs, Jews, Chinese, you name them; great people all.
All deserve respect.
As a teacher, I've had to deal with everyone who walked into my classroom as well. I've even lost a few students over the years to the world of drugs.
If anyone thinks that drug abuse is new to Lakewood, or anywhere else, I think you'll need to get a little more education. If anyone thinks drug abuse is a racial thing, you'll need even more education. This advice comes from one trained to deal with alcohol and chemical dependence.
Drug abuse is everyone's concern.
But so is respectful civil interaction.
And by the way, some of you will need to check your spelling, punctuation and grammar. I could probably find my correcting pen, if I had to do so.
