My Friend Kate

I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Kate and “Out in Left Field” for sharing a platform of expression. Out in Left Field is a lively mix of political commentary, feminine observations, satire, and musings. Out in Left Field has an established legitimacy and draws attention from those in many walks of life. The most fun are: prim and proper don’t be gauche types; those who prefer an un-rocked boat; sympathetic but not suicidal types; hateful boors; and the self-righteous who mean well people. There is something for everyone, even those who purport not to visit (e.g. Mr. H.).

I have the pleasure of knowing Kate as a colleague and contrary to popular belief; she is not a swill-mouth, sailor-cursing, exhibitionist who only wants to corrupt children with haughty images and perverse, depravity-filled verbiage. She is someone to be admired as an honest, straight-shooting commentator of life. Being unaffected by hypocrisy and going so far as to expose it at times, her opinions can ruffle the feathers of those comfortably nestled in their otherwise safe cocoons.

Kate is an enigmatic mixture of soft-spoken concern and edginess and is not afraid to voice her opinion. She is passionate when it comes to freedom of expression and she thrives on it. She is one of the bravest people I know. Where some might think it and file it away only to bring it up behind closed doors, she courageously verbalizes it and lets the reader decide. And boy do they decide sometimes!

She is devoted to her twin boys who are two of the sweetest, most well-adjusted, and polite young men one could want to meet. She is devout in her religion. She cares about others’ kids, a trait not shared by all. She is kind and sweet with a pleasant disposition and a great conversationalist. I can guarantee this: Anyone who hates her in print will love her in person.

Before creating eskay I tried my wings over at Out in Left Field. Here are a few my musings interspersed with Kate’s:

Sunday, February 18, 2007

What to do...

I do not know yet what to do with my new Blog. The author of Out in Left Field is allowing me to bloviate on her space, of which I am grateful. So, for now, I guess I will transfer here some of what I write on Out in Left Field.
The following is a comment I wrote concerning a colleague of Catherine Durkin Robinson who is disparaging some writings on her Blog.

From Out in Left Field:

Odds 'n Ends

Kate says...
I work with a woman who is making copies of my website and passing it out around school because she is offended by me.Should I send her a thank-you note?My Comment:

My comment...
I think you already did send her a thank you note.
Is it any wonder that the FIRST amendment to the Constitution propounds free speech? I thank you lord for bringing James Madison into the world. Mr. Madison had the foresight and the tenacity to ultimately see to it that our unalienable rights were protected. He knew that each individual is an island and as such “knows” what is best for our world. It is good we are head-strong in this way; ultimately it is why we, as human beings, are for the most part good people. We do not have to stretch our imaginations much to realize the barbarities possible had God not wired us this way.

If you are like me you probably would prefer that she carry around your Blog for good reasons and not to demonstrate its evilness. No matter how thick-skin we pretend to be, inside we all want acceptance.

Stand firm in the realization that many commentators on “Out in Left Field” are supportive, which even includes many of the ones who disagree with you. By putting up with vitriolic criticism and pressing on, you defend the very principles that allow the offending colleague freedom to express opinion without repercussions. Let us hope that, ultimately, the same courtesy is afforded you.

Any power broker out there who might feel the urge to wield some of that power and harass the courageous author of “Out in Left Field,” let me suggest that you do not. Some of us hold dear First Amendment freedoms and will not suffer trampling those freedoms lightly. Your power is granted by those you serve and is maintained only as long as we the people say so.

Press on brave writer. Write your words, which hurt no one. And go on and write your words that hurt some, because we all were giving the cogent advice that sustains us when others are cruel: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Sometimes it's just not worth it...
Sickles Coach Irwin Resigns

On the face of it and only knowing what is in print, this parent’s behavior is way off base—if you will pardon the pun. The man cursed at an adult teacher/coach and had to be escorted off the field by a deputy sheriff. Is it any wonder some of the students in schools today can be so disrespectful to authority. In that softball park were professionals performing a service for the students, their parents, and the general public, and this man had the audacity to behave like a savage within civilization. I, too, am a teacher for Hillsborough County and I try almost daily to impress upon my students the importance of civility no matter what happens. In society we have ways of dealing with situations that do not threaten other people involved. There are other avenues one must take to solve disputes and none includes violent behavior, which this man admitted engaging in.

If it were not enough that he lost his temper in such a violent fashion, he goes on to dismiss his behavior—shame on you sir. You make it doubly difficult for professional educators to teach your children the benefits of civil society when you behave in such a way.
Again, if what I read is mostly accurate, you owe that your daughter and Mrs. Irwin an apology. If you were my student, sir, I would calmly discuss with you the importance of making every attempt to get along with others. I would review with you the various avenues available to you for satisfying your complaint. I would implore you to be the best example you can be for those subordinate to you. Finally, I would encourage you to swallow your pride, be a man and genuinely apologize to those affected.

No one, especially I, will deny you the anger you felt that night. You have every right to be upset and to be displeased with Mrs. Irwin. Everyone knows the feelings of uncontrollable anger. However, we must all, also, remember that we live in society where most people do the very best they can at any given moment. Just like you are to be excused for your, perhaps legitimate, outburst, you owe the same courtesy to those who offended you, particularly Mrs. Irwin.