The Community Has Become More Polarized, by Rob Goldberg

Haines Alaska News: Viewpoints
October 01, 2011

HAINES HAS BECOME MORE POLARIZED

Jerry Lapp said something very astute at the recent candidates’ forum. He said that the community has become more polarized. He said that there used to be a lot of hostility, then things got better, and now they are getting worse. He said this is bad for Haines.

I couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Jerry. I think this rise in hostility can be traced directly back to the Haines News. The “us vs. them” tone of the writing and the personal attacks that attempt to demonize community members incite people to hatred. You write things about people that I don’t think you would ever say to their faces.

What do you hope to accomplish by making personal attacks on people in this community?

Your mission statement says you support business, but I fail to see how insulting people promotes the economy. In fact, I think your actions hurt the community and its economy.

I remember very well what it was like here thirty years ago. There was a lot of hostility. Threats were made. Cars were sabotaged. It was lucky no one was killed.

Over the years, things have improved. People started putting aside their differences and began working together. We’ve accomplished a lot.

You came here a few years ago and started trying to stir up the old hostility. I don’t think many people here want to return to those days. I’m asking you to stop. Write all you want about the news and your opinions about the issues, but stop the personal attacks.

Hostility in a community is like a cancer. It isn’t good for anyone. No one wants to move their family or business to a war zone. The only way we will succeed is if we all get along, discuss the issues without insults and work together to solve problems.

Sincerely,
Rob Goldberg

PS – I’m submitting this for publication on your website. If it doesn’t appear, I’ll run it in the CVN.

Received October 01, 2011 / Posted October 01, 2011
Viewpoints letters are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Haines Alaska News.