Anonymity and Rancor

Some few of our readers have expressed anger at our refusal to provide the identities of those writing for us. They invoke the requirements of a non-existent constitutional provision in asking the names of those verbally assaulting publicly elected officials, their administrators and Three Village Central School District policies.

Others - via their e-mail, statements made at Board of Education meetings or in the media - take exception to the level or sarcasm evident in so many of the pieces. Some are simply offended by the apparent viciousness of the attacks. Some are both surprised and offended to learn they live in a community where such "vile" abuse, rather than calm deliberation, is used to draw attention to but "perceived" injustices. SOME are concerned that a Rush Limbaugh-Newt Gingrich approach won't work in so liberal, sensitive and intellectually oriented community. The latter, of course, have their own way of bringing about change and would prefer that no one "rock the boat." The total of the somes, however, is "Ssshhhh, be quiet!"

We "thinks" that too many have for too long attended too many sensitivity therapy sessions. We have this picture of thousands milling about an office water cooler (or Board of Education meeting) flattering one another while the building falls around them.

Neither the editors or the writers of The Waking Bear© are running for public office. We're not looking for friendships or liking. Some of us pay less than 5% of our gross incomes in taxes and feel little to no pinch in paying taxes of any kind. Others are not so fortunate. But ALL believe there is dramatic need for change in the way the entire school budgeting process works. And, more than anything, we see a compelling need for the district to listen to greater numbers of area residents and rid itself of an entrenched self-serving bureaucracy that benefits some teachers and administrators, more than the children and adults of the community they SERVE.

Some of the articles you will read have been published elsewhere, accompanied by the names of the authors. They are published here with the consent of those writers. Publication, sans identity, has nothing to do with courage or lack of it. These writers have said before what they say here. And, they faced the heat, gladly. It is ideas that we advocate and not personalities. Despite the senseless prattle of those wishing to muddy the waters and draw your attention away from what really matters, we will remain anonymous. We will remain anonymous, as a symbol of the vast majority of people denied access to responsible and responsive Three Village Central School District administration. As a symbol of those who have loudly proclaimed a desire for fiscal responsibility. As a symbol of those who have publicly taken exception to a variety of administrative, procedural and program district policies and been ignored.

If all this troubles you, we are pleased. Read the New York Times instead. Or, accept the cliché that with no pain there comes no gain.