March 19, 2003

A storm of controversy

I deeply regret James Storm of Fassler Ave. won't be reading these words. He wrote canceling his subscription last week. I was one of the reasons. At least I wasn't alone. Jef Raskin, and John Maybury were also targeted.

Collectively Jef, John and I are guilty of "liberal" (horrors!) "socialistic" (for shame, Jef, John and self) and "even communistic views."

Far be it from me to criticize that venerable weapon of an outraged reader, the canceled subscription. In fact, I recently wrote the Chronicle to disagree with a letter writer. She claimed the old Chron was no longer fit to line the cat box (or was it the bird cage?). I think it certainly is. But I did reserve the right to cancel my Chronicle subscription, if only for a week or two. We're talking symbolism, not long enough to generate withdrawal symptoms.

My suggestion to Jim Storm? re-subscribe under a false name. Being one of those contemptible liberal types, that's the kind of sneaky underhanded thing I'd do.

Though I admire both John Maybury and Jef Raskin for their intelligence, their wide range of knowledge and interests, and their high principles, I disagree with them on many particular issues. I wish Mr. Storm would specify. What in particular does he disagree with that I espouse? And what percentage of the Storm belief system do John, Jef and I have to espouse in order to keep Mr. Storm a faithful reader?

Frankly, if we three were to switch over to completely rubber stamp what he believes, it's likely two things would happen. We'd bore Mr. Storm to tears, and Tribune subscriptions might get cancelled in bucket loads. Actually, though I'm too liberal for Storm, I'm considered too conservative by others. My urgent request: Don't criticize me using vague words like "liberal" and "communistic." Praise or criticize my stands on specific issues. I can deal with that. Make an intelligent argument. Prove me wrong. Perhaps you'll change my mind. Since I don't know for sure just what being a liberal or even a communist actually means, there's no way I can change my behavior or my beliefs to avoid those buzzwords, even should I wish to do so.

For example, Mr. Storm, (assuming you've borrowed your neighbor's Tribune this week), if you disagree with my views on Open Space, please delineate the attitude I should propagate, and why. For more than 20 years I've criticized those who've made it extremely difficult for landowners to benefit from property on which they've paid taxes for years. Confiscation by requiring interminable and expensive EIR's is the modern way to rip off people whose land is coveted. If Foster City had to start today from scratch, Environmental Impact Reports would probably cost more than the whole project would net, or perhaps gross. Bottom line: it wouldn't be built, and 30,000 people would have to find a home elsewhere.

Mr. Storm, by canceling his subscription out of revulsion at my opinions, also deprives himself of important local news and ads. He won't know that, or where, important meetings are taking place. Perhaps he should handle the situation as I do the Chronicle comics. Read some. Skip most. Jim, you've my permission to no longer read what I write, if that will improve your mental health. The loss of even one reader will cause me regret, but ces't la vie. Just don't ask me to change my ideas to accommodate your belief system.

There are so many different beliefs out there, I might as well be sincere and espouse what I really believe. You're entitled to the same right, even should you be on the left.

Paul@thereactor.netis the e mail way to let The Reactor know your opinions, should you choose to do so. Check The Reactor's website at www.thereactor.net.