 By MJ Cadle February 09, 2006 It's been several weeks now since Mr. Conley tried to bully Dave Rubin, Bobbi McCreary and anyone else who did not think like him into cowtowing to his views. I was impressed that so many individuals spoke out against his unacceptable behavior. I also appreciated that Mr. Conley was quick to apologize to Dave and Bobbi. Unfortunately, Mr. Conley neglected to apologize to the many hard working, often poorly paid individuals who do so much community service in Ketchikan, accross the US and around the world. I am speaking of all the people who work for nonprofits, including Blaine Ashcraft (and anyone else paid by the Chamber) who works for the nonprofit Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Conley's comments, in the heat of the moment or not, portray the people who work for nonprofit organizations, such as the Chamber, as leaches on society, especially if that organization gets any government money. One of the things I have loved about living in Alaska is the strong sense of community and the willingness of so many individuals to step up to the plate and help others both by volunteering and by working for one of the many nonprofits in our great State. According to the Foraker Group, Alaska has more nonprofits per capita then any other state in the nation. To me, that says something very positive about our state. In a strange way, I would like to thank Mr. Conley for his outburst. He reminded me how thankful I am for all the hardworking individuals that do so much for others while working for nonprofits. THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to work to help others. THANK YOU to all of you working hard to better the lives of us all. THANK YOU to all of you who come to Ketchikan from other places to help us. THANK YOU to those of you who end up staying here enriching our lives further. THANK YOU to those I may not have agreed with but whose efforts are nonetheless appreciated. THANK YOU even to the Chamber for helping people make more money by supporting the businesses they own. You do not "scare the hell out of me" as Mr. Conley said; because I know that my life has been made better for your work - paid or not, government sponsored or not! MJ Cadle
About: MJ Cadle is a 20year+ SE Alaska Resident.
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
|