As I read about John O’Rourke and then his own words [July 2 My Turn ‘A malicious, vacuous and ungrateful community’], I was struck by words not used anymore.
John is a gentleman. What does that mean in this day and age? For me, it meant he treated me with respect and courtesy – other forgotten words. I ran for a Selectboard position with every intention of resisting and challenging that with which I so disagreed.
I do not always prevail in my viewpoints; nor, do I have any expectation of that. John would never get into your face as some do these days. He might ask you to clarify your thoughts but always with respect for you and your personal space.
As to law, well, I, too, am saddened by a growing sense of lawlessness. While it seems all know their rights, they have no knowledge, let alone understanding, of the other side to that equation of responsibility.
Yes, it is time for younger folks to take their place, become involved, volunteer, run for office, but I will expect them to have some knowledge but more importantly, the good sense to ask experienced folks for their perspectives.
Marguerite Willis
Charlemont