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My picture of the library |
I wrote about the Alexandria teams that have strong Morris connections. If I ever write about Bev Kieffer's grandchildren again, I will not use the name "Lucken" anywhere. I think she's mad at me about that. My sensitivity is probably lacking. I have never been married or even had an opposite-sex relationship. I think it is fraught with danger and risks.
Who can forget Rick Lucken? Uh-oh, there I did it again. Well, sorry, I really would like all of my writing to pass muster.
Yes I was exhausted after our March Madness spell. I was even busy with Minnewaska Area girls basketball, and at the end, West Central Area. Regarding the latter, my main point was about how Morris allowed our hometown girl Becca Holland to "get away" to there, instead of getting a position here in Motown.
And if anything gets me in trouble in our beloved community, it's observations on sports programs, their coaches and their direction. I assure you I will always find a passion with writing about area high school sports. You can easily ignore me if you wish.
So soon after the high school basketball mania, we had this hot potato subject of the Morris library land in our laps. Anyone with journalistic instincts and whose formative years go back to Watergate would be instantly mesmerized, wanting answers. (That's me.)
I am a long-form journalist so you'd probably categorize me as a "dinosaur." People prefer communicating in short bursts in the digital age. Speaking of the digital age having taken over, why do we even need a public library? In fact, what about the redundancy of a city public library, a public school library and a library at UMM? Redundant as all hell, I would say.
I suppose we collectively shake our heads and say "that's just the way it has to be." Just like re-electing Trump. Happy tariff week. That is, if the tariffs actually start, if it's more than mere talk or posturing. Now, why would I suggest it might be largely talk/posturing? Trump wouldn't mislead us, would he? He wouldn't be "playing" us, would he? He has never done that before, has he?
Not my bag
I hate to acknowledge much about Facebook. I have chosen not to be a Facebook person, or Twitter or any of that jazz. Such scattershot conversations. Impulsive thoughts typically with a tinge of emotion. I stick with "long-form journalism" utilizing two blog sites and you'd probably say "nobody pays any attention to what you write."
Obviously you're entitled to your opinion.
Today is Tuesday so the Morris newspaper comes out. The library: what a ripe subject for the print media to put someone to work, Woodward/Bernstein style. Oh but the city council has had these lengthy "closed meetings!" A topic of such gravity obviously.
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Our librarian at the vortex |
Is this the only course for the city to take? I have been forced to develop a theory or two on my own, because this is the only available route now.
A newspaper writer could search around for "background" by talking to "knowledgeable sources" and the like, maybe even a council person himself who would be anxious to get his/her "take" out there. People "use" the press to try to get an advantage. Consider the term "leaks."
What was "Deep Throat's" motivation? Absolutely nothing mysterious there. The guy was Mark Felt. He was mad at being passed over for promotion in the FBI. A motive as old as the hills.
What might we dig up now on the library matter or "mess?" Holy cow it's a mess: three deputies to ensure people's safety at these meetings. Over the library? The friggin' public library? A wholesome place. You almost have to apologize if you are going to criticize the library.
"Children's story hour" each week. Let's all just step aside and let the library and the - ahem - Viking Library System consume more of our resources. Wait a minute, we do not blindly want to do that! Let's allow for the possibility that this "Viking" thing could be one of those feel-good agencies that may not really deliver services commensurate with what they claim to do.
I hear even our county board gives money to Viking Library System. And I'm sure the commissioners are always nervous about the money they are having to spend.
Mr. Anfinson of the SCT always talks about how we need newspapers as "watchdogs." Well here's your perfect opportunity Reed. You might run into some bumps in the road. So what?
Last night at the community supper I tossed out this thought to a friend: "Maybe Anne was given the opportunity to resign quietly and when she didn't, well the city said "Here we go." My, the wheels certainly began turning. With each passing day, I'm sure more of us are perplexed.
The people who just love Anne no matter what will stick to their guns. I am age 70 and I've seen the "personality cult" thing at the small town level before. It's so distracting. What in heck is going on here?
Below their dignity
I am disappointed that such an esteemed retired lawyer as Bob Dalager would go all-in on the "pissing match" we now see on this thing called social media. I see where Blaine Hill chimed in with a short comment. Below their dignity for these guys to be doing this.
My approach is to put out a thorough post that I think asks the right questions.
Maybe I deserve a pie in the face, I don't know.
I don't see how Anne can continue as librarian now to be frank. I think she's a little "tainted." And if she's "exonerated" that would embarrass the council and city manager who dragged us through this morass of confusion and tension.
Maybe what I needed was for March Madness to go on a little longer. It's an elixer. Right now I look out the window and the weather is crappy! Oh to be out on the biking/walking trail and petting people's dogs!
Addendum: A community controversy like this can lead to boycotts of businesses. Right now I am of a mind to not even go in the library for a while. Speaking of businesses, I am disappointed that Stone's Throw Restaurant closed. Another restaurant - DeToy's - was bustling with business on Sunday afternoon. Which leads us to conclude what? That the Morris economy is in good shape? That inflation is not scaring people here? Or, that maybe Morris could use another middle class type of restaurant.
Addendum No. 2: Oh to have Melissa Yauk back at the library with her steady hand. I appreciate more now the steadiness in her work. She's out in Idaho.
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com