The discussion forums on two local topics prove, once again, that reading comprehension is a problem for some people in these parts.
\nThe first topic, a decision by a postmaster to suspend mail delivery to a neighborhood threatened by two out-of-control pit bulls, unleashed (pun intended) the usual “it’s not the breed, it’s the owner” apologists.
\nThe other, a report that the Mashpee Wampanoag are petitioning the state for return of tribal land on the Mass. Military Reservation, provoked equally irrational reaction from the usual flag-waving nuts.<\/p>
\nThe neighbors of the pit bull owner contributed several fact-based entries to the public forum, reporting ongoing problems with this particular household, including an attack by one of the pit bulls on a woman who was walking her own dog.
\nA videotaped interview with the dog owner backs up the neighbors’ complaints, as well as the postmaster’s concerns. He speaks in the conceited, defensive and derogatory tone so common to certain middle-aged men in Eastern Massachusetts. If the pit bulls are an extension of this particular personality, then my vote is with the postmaster and his decision to protect his employees.
\nIn the second story, Glenn Marshall, the leader of the Mashpee Wampanoag, makes clear that a) his tribe’s petition requires state approval; b) they would not build a casino on the land; and c) the tribe would continue to lease the property to the military units currently stationed there.
\nOf course, these facts were lost on those respondents who brayed about the public’s obligations to military families, the role of Camp Edwards as first responders, the dreaded social costs of gambling, etc.
\nFortunately, there was enough debunking by numerous voices of reason in both forums to counterbalance the stupid opinions of the few.
\nIf only there were a way to cull out the stupid in other aspects of community life, like voting, home ownership and breeding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The discussion forums on two local topics prove, once again, that reading comprehension is a problem for some people in these parts. The first topic, a decision by a postmaster to suspend mail delivery to a neighborhood threatened by two … Continue reading