[Nfb-editors] Seeking an end to the seeking diversity discussion

[David Andrews]

I would like to add to what Gary has wisely said by adding that it 
often isn't what we say that is the problem, but how we say it or 
when.  I have learned in my personal relationships that if I bide my 
time, I can usually say almost anything to an individual -- I just 
have to do it at the right time, and in the right way.  If I set out 
to make a point, have a conversation no matter what, etc., it 
probably won't work, but if I work it in, in the course of other 
conversations, I may be more successful.  It is a matter of having 
patience, and wisdom enough to see the right time.

There is culture and prevailing thought in the NFB, and if you come 
up against it to openly, there can be difficulties.  This is probably 
what most people are afraid of when they say they are unwilling to speak out.

So, we don't have to sensor ourselves -- we just have to be 
thoughtful about what we say and when we say it.

There is another way too -- any student of politics will get it.  You 
probably have relationships with leaders in the NFB, if you don't you 
should.  You can have private, off-line conversations with them to 
get leaders thinking about different points of view.

Dave

At 09:00 AM 3/21/2011, you wrote:
>Hi Bridgit. Respecting your desire to end this thread, please allow 
>me one comment. Several times I've seen the concern we might 
>blacklist you. We are not in the business of blacklisting anyone. No 
>one quibbles with your expression of an opinion simply by responding 
>to it. This is what discussion is made of--bringing forth ideas, and 
>seeing what others think. Failure to embrace an idea I throw out 
>says nothing about my character or that someone thinks I'm crazy or 
>that I'm advocating anything other than what I specifically say I'm advocating.
>
>I am going beyond your post just a bit to suggest that I see a 
>disturbing pattern in the NFB by some who consider themselves 
>politically astute. They withhold their opinion, feeling it only 
>makes good political sense to do so. Then, when they can no longer 
>contain the internal steam they've built up, they explode, lashing 
>out at the NFB for not allowing them to speak and not being open to 
>their ideas. It doesn't help to remind them that it was their own 
>political take that caused them to remain silent when they had a 
>mouth with which to speak and a brain capable of articulating their 
>questions, concerns and positions. Having and articulating a 
>position doesn't mean it will be accepted, but at least it will be 
>on the table for thought and discussion, and the person who holds it 
>will know that he or she had and exercised his right to say what was 
>on his heart and mind and that those who care about him and the 
>organization he values had the benefit of his thoughts.
>
>Warmly,
>
>Gary