Thanks Dave

I would like to thank Dave Orvis for proving my point. Oddly enough he gets the point of this blog - The anti-crank crank - without getting it.

I think that his blog should be reading materiel for anyone studying logic or debate. His logical fallacies, re-framing of arguments and spurious statements are the stuff of legend. Here he welcomes me to the blogosphere:

editors note: Ouch! Note the savage use of the Microsoft Bean. One of Dave's favorite and most potent tools in his arsenal. Back to the blog:

"Let's face it. It's easy to label your opponent, it's harder to debate them.

Which is why I find Michael Young's new blog so darn funny! I am adding it to my links below.

Michael Young divides folks into two categories: those who are agreeable, and those who are cranks.

And guess what category I fall into? And guess what category he believes he falls into.

In fact, he has decided to name his blog, "The Anti-Crank Shaft". Apparently, he plans on dealing with us "cranks."

I have watched Michael Young over the years. He's a taller building proponent through and through, and he is clearly upset that he is not getting his way.

My recent encounter with him occurred during the interview to fill a concil vacancy. Mr. Young applied for the position. He made a point in the interview of criticizing the council for engaging in personal attacks, and then, after I asked him for an example, he engaged in a personal attack against me!

In short, Mr. Young isn't an "anti-crank", he just another crank posing as an anti-crank. He wines about public comment being civil, yet he cannot seem to produce civil discourse on his own.

Mr. Young, I know that I sometimes let my passions get the better of me. Maybe you should start by making the same confession, too. Then, start arguing for what you think needs to be changed (which is the desire for taller buildings). I think you'll find it's a more constructive way to deal with your frustrations. "

- Dave Orvis 11:24 am 31 May 2010

I need another project.

Actually, I don't. I need another project like I need another hole in my head. But here I am.

I go through fits and starts with my public comments at city council and my level of involvement in local politics. Not because my passion waxes and wanes, but simply because I get too frustrated.

It seems to me that politics on a local level should be even more civil, more cooperative than on a bigger scale. Over the years the us vs. them mentality has gotten to a level that is beyond disgusting when we discuss national politics. If you do not conform to every line on a checklist you are no longer with me, but against me. Republicans vilify democrats and then the tea party turns on its parents. Everyone is embarrassed yet the seperations grow.

Sadly, that is the case even here in lovely Edmonds. Taking a page straight from the Karl Rove/Dick Cheney playbook many local officials take the tact that they know better than the sheep that they herd and they will do whatever it takes to move in the direction they see fit. Facts do not get in the way of their beliefs, and if they say a thing enough times, it must be true.

I like to believe that we all have the ultimate same end game in sight - continue to make Edmonds a beautiful place to live and work. I just disagree with those that seem determined to destroy it in order to save it.

I think Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch proved that we could disagree without being disagreeable. Perhaps we will reach that level here soon. In the meantime I plan on calling it like I see it. You may not agree with me and I am okay with that. Make your point. Let's have a discussion.

However, it ain't a free ride. I'm tired of the cranks and I'm not going to let them get a free pass anymore.