How do we get our information?

Check out an op-ed written by Fred Maxwell, (posted elsewhere on our site). After getting to know Fred, and seeing his commitment to the community in various ways, I asked him to write about his experiences since moving here.

Giving the community a voice is vital. If we choose to see our community defined by only a few for-profit media sources, two of which are decidedly right of center, we risk misunderstanding the more holistic fabric of what makes our community hum and roll.  We all have parents, children, neighbors and siblings with varied political leanings. But, we trust that the shared values that allow us to appreciate this beautiful valley, and small town lifestyle, are greater than our differences.

Our vision for the Citizen demands that we not simply straddle a centerline view of politics, or pursue the intoxicating allure of newsy objectivity. We are interested in fostering discussions about reasonable approaches to life in the twenty-first century by reaching out to hear what you have to say, in your own voice.

In Salida, we represent a unique cross section of America, one in which we have access to a world of knowledge and culture, but keep it at arm’s length. We choose to live in a place where we know each other by name. But, this lack of anonymoty comes with a price. We are accountable. When we vote, we have had every opportunity to sit down with the officials who will have an impact on our community and our children. When we pass each other in the canyon, we will recognize the logos on each other’s trucks. But, we embrace this, and we accept that people just may call us out. However, I believe, thanks to this intimacy, that it is less likely that we will be called out because of our differences, but rather because we’re being unreasonable.

We cannot hide. Nor, can those who do less than stellar work run very far. But, as we grow, we must nurture  what works in a small community; communication baby…communication. Do you hear all that madness in the streets of the cities? Those folks aren’t listening to each other. They’ve forgotten that they are neighbors.

Fred’s piece is a sample of what you will see more of on the Citizen in the months ahead as we regroup, and process the somewhat unforeseen success of this web site. Since we don’t have a big budget, it makes sense to us to simply go to the source and hear, unedited, from Salida citizens. So, speak with passion, but be reasonable.

Toss a cold one across the porch to your neighbor and see what happens.

Let us know what you think. -bd

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