An attempt at public shaming

Hhhmmm, to post or not to post.

Since I’m still tapping at the keypad, the answer appears to be “to post.”

On Sunday it was brought to my notice that a local online news site had an anonymous opinion up that said I was “undeserving of representing my children or my neighbors children” because I write expletive laden blog posts that are critical and rude. This individual then goes on to post a google search link that filters only the posts where I use the word fuck. And there are plenty of those because well...there just are.

There are excerpts of a few posts, deliberately chosen for their verbal impact, splashed up on this editorial that show my less than polite side.

This editorial gave me a few moments pause. And also prompted me to go back and reread the majority of this blog.  And you know what? I’ll stand behind each and every one of my posts and say, Yes, I did write that. So What? I show, through my writing, the myriad sides of who I am. Do you do the same?

Here’s the thing. I’m up for re-election on the School Board in my town. I’m actively seeking re-election to the Board because I feel that I do a good job and there is work that needs to be done. Work that I know I can help facilitate.

The timing of this editorial is purely due to the upcoming election and the fact is the news site owner supports other candidates. My blog is not a secret as it’s linked to my facebook account and I’ve shared it with local friends. And I know for certain that the owner of this online news site has previously provided a link to my blog to other people in the hopes that it will cause them to gasp in outrage over perceived perfidies in an effort to plot my downfall. To which I say, Really? You need a new hobby.

Here are more of the reasons I’m a terrible person:
“This woman’s blog site is very full of colorful language, self-righteous nagging, complaining about everything from neighbors, to kids crying in her ears to people riding their motorcycles down her beloved road and even some harsh criticism of children and parents alike.
Is this really the person you want representing our children? She spends a lot of time criticizing the people of Jackson for their actions in this blog, especially parents who break her social rules, but perhaps she needs to be a better role model herself. As a publicly elected representative of the people of Jackson, she needs to bring herself above the boil and I find this entire blog immature, foul mouthed, critical and condescending to everyone in this town.
I urge anyone who votes this November to take a look at the link: http://bit.ly/QsJNj8, and read a few passages from this woman before voting for her to represent YOUR child.
Can you imagine if any other candidate in any other election had publicly stated and said such horrible things about the people they purport to represent?
No thank you Ms. Murnane, you have no business near our children and I hope children in Jackson don’t stumble across this board member’s blog accidentally.”

People are going to be offended by any number of things; probably some of those things will be words that I write. I won’t filter my thoughts, feelings or my writing in fear that someone will take offense. This is my space. You’re invited to come into it with a hearty welcome and post your comments, agree, disagree, tell me I’m an ass. I’m okay with that, sometimes I AM an ass. Trolls are not welcome. I’d have the same policy if we met in person.

On the flip side of that, what I put out there is fodder to anyone who doesn't like it and chooses to use it as a tool for their own gain. That's the risk of exposing oneself publicly and I'll roll with whatever happens.

There were two aspects of this opinion piece that did ruffle my feathers. The link with the filtered posts? That’s just a little National Inquirer sleaze right there.

The anonymous resident looking to lambaste me for putting myself out there publicly, stink bugs and all, have the balls to add your name to the letter. I showed mine. Where are yours?