Houston Democrats

There is no apology that rectifies the kind of damage irresponsible posting does. How hard is it to specify that what you are posting is rumor? How hard is it to verify something dealing with a very public person like Charles Soechting or a public entity like the Texas Democratic Party?

This is for Carl: Hello, Pot, this is Kettle, you're black. A sincere apology is never in bad taste. Hateful rhetoric and relentless spamming is always in bad taste. The definition of irresponsible posting can be found in your daily diatribes against the local Democratic leadership and your overall negative attitude to local volunteers.

As a friend of Carl's and someone who has known him for the past 10 years, I must say I am taken back by the previous posting. Carl has had his differences with people including myself, but when it has mattered for the greater good of the party he always been there. What I have always respected about him is that he always was open and unapolgetic about his comments, yet he is always ready to assist the party. In a local party devoid of any leadership I commend Carl for his comments. Leadership is standing up and saying the emperor has no clothes. Everyone who knows Carl understands he is a critic and he speaks his mind. People have the right to disagree with him and should if they feel he is wrong. In fact encourage them to do so, but also I encourage them to accept that if Carl feels a certain way there are others who may feel disenfranchised. I thought in the Democratic Party the ability to challenge and question the "norm" was respected not belittled. This childish response to Carl's posting is typical of the problems of our party.

Phil

Our founding parents, in their wisdom, recognized that criticism of the political process and its leaders (or lack thereof) is a healthy and constructive method of maintaining our system of democracy and striving to constantly improve it. I appreciate the efforts of Carl in doing this very thing. I don't always agree with him - that's my perogative. But, having been before a person that has been on the receiving end of his criticism, I can tell you that sometimes, if you just listen to him, and consider what he is saying, you just might identify a weakness in yourself that you can use to guide yourself to improvement as a Democratic activist.

If you don't agree with Carl, please attempt to enter the market place of ideas in a dignified manner, and cut out the juvenile responses. They don't really gain you any following anyway.

By the way, who is "kettle" ? While you snipe like a naughty child at others, are you ashamed to tell your name?

Pam Rea, SD15 Secretary

All points are well taken.

If there were something beyond an apology we could do, we would. I assure you we have a new procedure in place for handling rumors.

We are all on the same side, so let's stop sniping at each other.

The guidelines for comments prohibit personal attacks, and perhaps I should be consistent about reminding folks of that. That said, some remarks which are meant to be humorous can be perceived as crossing the line. Let's try to give each other the benefit of the doubt while being sensitive to the tone of the comments posted here.

Constructive suggestions are appropriate, but the harsh tone of the criticism here is unfortunate. Perhaps in future such harsh criticisms will only come from people who are incapable of error.

Carl Whitmarsh is my friend. I have known him for something over 25 years. I too have been on the receiving end of his criticisms on more than one occasion. But one thing that I know is that Carl has integrity. He calls it like he see it and he doesn't play favorites. Carl could have been a lot more critical on this particular incident.

If you want to know anything about the Democratic party for the past 30 some odd years, ask Carl. There is no one alive with more institutional knowledge than he. What you don't want to do is let him find out that underhandedness is taking place inside the party off, like phone banking for and against Democrats for offices and positions. He has been terribly critical of the present administration and staff but not without good reason. Many good folks have been alienated from the process and that frustrates many of us. Carl just happens to have a list serve with which he informs of such happenings.

In my opinion, Carl performs a great service for those of us who otherwise would not have time to find information. His list serve is fair and he sends out all view points.

Carl has as much of a right to have opinions as anyone else and I will defend his right and him.

Sheryl Roppolo, SDEC SD15

Service to the Party means actually SHOWING UP, instead of whining about people for no apparent reason from behind a computer. I refuse to write my name and email address because I'd like to continue receiving them just to see what lies he's spreading. A good friend of mine had his name removed after challenging one his hateful comments and I'd rather keep him guessing.

I have read some of his postings and find them to be vile and divisive and of no service to Democrats. As a Hispanic Democrat, I have found the current administration and staff to be inclusive and very much of service--more than ever before. I wish I had time to volunteer, but whenever I have visited, their staff has been quite helpful. These are complete strangers that go above and beyond to serve a VOTER. That's the way it should be!

I actually remember these volunteer's names and I don't remember ANY of this Carl person's defenders ever being there when I visit to buy a sticker or a button. And I sure have not seen this Carl person anywhere.

I have no problem with people making comments. Even better are constructive critiques of an administration or a staff. But disgusting commentary about individuals goes beyond what this Democratic Party is supposed to be about. As a matter of fact, as I am becoming more and more involved, I'm going to visit the Elections office to see if any of these names appear on the Democratic Primary voter's list! Especially this Carl person!

I hope that the Chair finds an administrator that will continue to have an open door to VOTERS first.

I know Carl Whitmarch. Carl Whitmarch is a friend of mine. Sir, you are no Carl Whitmarch.

(With sincere apologies to Lloyd Bentsen, who the heck is Carl Whitmarch?)

Can we save this vitriol for the Republicans?