1 Mar
2013
1 Mar
'13
11:27 p.m.
On Fri, Mar 1, 2013 at 6:35 PM, Michael Scroggins <
michaeljscroggins(a)gmail.com> wrote:
The sentence implicitly draws a difference of kind between the lock
picking class and the other Workshop Weekend classes. Doing so invites the
question: What is the difference that makes broadcasting this workshop (in
the way it was) regrettable? In an environment where the mayor, the chief
of police and the media have all given the same answer - the class breeds
criminals - allowing that question is regrettable.
It's regrettable because it gave some easy pickings for the people who want
to portray Oakland, and the current administration, in a certain way. Many
of the people who are upset about the workshop aren't upset about
lockpicking, they're upset that Jean Quan appears to encourage crime in her
newsletter.
It's regrettable because it sucked up airwaves and mental effort that might
have been better spent.
Drafting a reasoned and reasonable response lowers the blood pressure of
the people who are up in arms just because they aren't informed. Some of
them will come around, especially if they understand the actual intent of
the class.
Eddan, I'd like to participate in writing a statement. I was really taken
aback when I read some of the emails and talked to some of the people who
were actually upset.
The media storm will blow over with the next foot-in-mouth opportunity from
a local politician, but we have a great opportunity to reach out while the
world is looking.
Anca.
--
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Anca Mosoiu | Tech Liminal
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