Explore Carolina North on Sunday

Bobby, I'm not sure what 9 items you are referring to, I have probably written over 100 articles on this website (see http://www.orangepolitics.org/archives.html ). May I remind you that 1) this is not a journalistic website, and we have no obligation to express any viewpoints other than our own, and 2) I have been involved with the process of planning for the Horace Williams tract for at least 7 years. I am not just spouting off on a whim. I am extremely concerned about the tactics of UNC adminstrators, I think their actions could damage our town permanently, and I think the public needs to know more about it.

Do you think that UNC (or anyone) lying to and manipulating the Town is OK? Because I don't and I want it to stop. I don't see what's wrong with saying so, but I'll try to do it more effectively in the future.

Please see my further response to your comments here: http://www.orangepolitics.org/archives/000184.html#002764

I was not being critical of any one individual or their style of expression; I too like the fact that their can be diverse views. My point was critical of the manner in which issues are framed up at time - UNC bashing in this instance seems to be all consuming, whether on this site or in public. And folks (in my view) oversimplify their positions and begin their comments with inflamatory words and consipiracy theories.

Although the rhetoric on this site, within the original posts and the responses, drives me a little crazy sometimes, I also appreciate the passion expressed by members of this community. Virtual environments, such as this, represent a broad spectrum of demographical profiles, and I've noticed that younger people have a more expressive style of online writing than do some of us older folks. I would suggest that everyone remember that written expression is not always received in the way the writer intended. When language is used that you find offensive or when statements are made that you feel are unreasonable, I recommend that you ask (nicely!) the poster if the way you interpreted it is what was intended. Without seeing facial expressions/body language, our communications are limited in this type of forum, so it becomes incumbent upon us all to verify our impressions rather than making assumptions based on a limited communications technology. These limitations are why other organizations use this type of forum as a supplement to face to face meetings.

Ruby -

Of the 9 issues posted for comment on this site by you (I removed the 1 information item related to the server engine) 4 of the other 9 issues represent clear UNC bashing opportunities. None of the issues as framed regarding UNC offer much opportunity for productive discussion. Is the purpose of this site simply to look for opportunities to bash UNC?. I mean, here you have one of the largest employers in the State located in our town, driving much of our vibrancy, and all our community can do is look for ways to thwart plans every time the university looks to plant a shrub somewhere! What gives? Does anyone else get this sense, besides me?

Here's DTH coverage of the event: http://www.dailytarheel.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/03/01/4043356292c46

And here's the most misleading statement of the month, from the man who refuses to discuss putting ANY of the property into a permanent conservation easement

"Tony Waldrop, vice chancellor for research and economic development, who accompanied residents and the Friends of Bolin Creek on the hike, expressed his hopes for preserving the area. "The opportunity exists here for us to express our concerns," said Waldrop. "If we don't take the opportunity to understand what's going on, this area might not be here.""