Today almost the entire editorial spread was dedicated to the Derek Farmer speech.

Both sides aired their opinions. They were both strong. None were wrong- they were opinions.

This is what living in a democracy is all about- the freedom to disagree. So we have to thank Ms. Wortham for bringing Mr. Farmer in to speak- and we have to thank Lt. Beane for protesting- it started a discussion. We also have the Mayor to thank for making it a race issue- because that’s something we need to still talk about in Dayton.

These are the kind of strong emotions that get people to act- to write letters to the editor, to talk about the issue over coffee, lunch, or while getting their hair cut. This is what Mike Peters does in his little 3×4″ box on the editorial page this is all good- this is what a good newspaper should do- give us information to form opinions- and a forum to discuss them.

It’s also what this blog should do.

It’s what I was trying to do when I donned the mask at the Dayton City Commission meeting – so long ago…

Please note- while the two sides disagree, no one is rioting in the streets, burning buildings or acting like idiots- like the Muslim extremists who didn’t like the Danish cartoons of Mohammad.

Now the question is- has this changed anything?

What do you think?