Letter to the editor:

Letter to the Editor

July 6, 2012

The best thing about getting older is that you have the chance to remember things that happened in the past and relate them to something that is going on today. We have several things happening in our community that have groups in conflict. These are events happening at CKON, the Senior Center and the Church.

We can all remember events that have happened in the past when groups disagreed and each side is sure they are right. They get defensive and dig in their heels and try to prove to everybody else how right they are. When neither side will budge, it’s time to bring in the authorities, the police, the Chiefs, the bishops and the courts of the state and federal governments; anybody who can force our point of view on the other party. I remember it well when I was the one who was just so right I didn’t have to give in to anyone. I also can remember when I was able to see the other point of view and understand what happened. What a relief it was when I could let that go.

Right now we have broken communication lines but there are things we can do to promote understanding and bring the sides together. Members of our community have been trained in conflict resolution. We are surrounded by colleges and universities who will be happy to help.

Someone suggested to me that in CKON’s case the community as a whole can be asked to solve this impasse. We could have an election and let the community decide what community minded people they want to oversee the radio station. But, again, this is bypassing a communication process.

Rosemary Bonaparte