Optimistic That There is Still Good In Ogden

I've had quite an experience over the past 48+ hours. It's one that has allowed me to see many of the true colors in Ogden. Ironically, it takes more than a mere passing glance to see the situation for what it is.

A dear friend of mine, in attempting to assist another friend, made an error of judgement. An email that was intended for a select group of his friends was inadvertantly sent to an additional recipient, one who felt some obligation (whether vindictive or out of a sense of "moral" duty is not for me to judge) to pass this email along to others.

A copy of that email has since been posted multiple times on a local blog. Included in that email are the email addresses of about a dozen people. One of the posting policies on this local blog is that the moderator has promised to delete any posts that contain personal contact information, even if that information is already public information. I posted a comment on that thread, reminding the moderator of his policy. Rather than remain honest and true to his own policy, he deleted my post. The controversial email along with the personal contact information remains posted on his blog.

In contrast, I today recieved a copy of an email that my friend sent to the Standard-Examiner, explaining his error and attempting to clarify any misleading or wrongdoing. I include some of that email (though I will admit, I have not asked his permission to do so):

I was not trying to protect myself by the use of misleading statements. I did itout of concern for the health of Ron Atencio’s campaign. I was with him lastweek, in friendly conversation, and said that I thought he would be a betterState Legislator from Ogden District 9 than Neal Hansen. I do not say that Mr.Hansen is evil or unsuitable, only that Ron would be a better choice in myopinion. He inquired about the process, and I suggested that he should try first to winenough delegates at the Democratic Caucuses to be the Democratic Candidate.

There is, in Ogden, a legion of despisers and haters... They cause the weak to fear,the undecided to hate our city leaders, and result in increased apathy amongthose who are already only marginally interested in civic affairs... My letter was meant to advise him against giving the appearance that this was a republicanconspiracy to take down a faithful democrat, or to offer the legion of despisersany “red meat” (their own term) with which to feed their savage vituperations. One more thing. There were many included in the mailing list who had no ideawhat was going on. It was the eve of the caucuses, and I took a wild guess atwho might support Ron’s candidacy, and tried to involve them in the caucuseffort. They had no previous involvement with the campaign, but were needed if available... Again this was on the very eve of the caucuses, and there was no time to lose.

Here is a man who made a mistake and in so doing had the possibility of taking many with him. Instead, he has shown the integrity and fortitude to face the music while others seek to destroy, defame, and revel in assumptions and half truths.

I have seen the good in Ogden and leave for you to determine the true fruits and merits of integrity- Is it being true to yourself no matter the cost, or is it being opporunistic by ignoring one's own policies at others' expense when it might give one a political or social edge?

You be the judge.