I made myself a Ridgeview News sweatshirt a few weeks ago, (and by made I mean I “Cricuted” and pressed images on it) which in the most autumnal of colors said “Don’t Fall for Fake News.” I thought I was pretty clever, but then it doesn’t take much to entertain me these days. It never ceases to amaze me on what people will believe.
I’ve made it very clear, and hopefully apologetically explained my lack of updated press being due to my care of Mother. I apologize because I know people began depending upon me for daily news not because I’m sorry for doing what’s needed. But after a “well intentioned” and I now say that with a large degree of sarcasm, ‘friend’, offered to buy Ridgeview News out a few weeks ago, because of my depressed nature in which I’m getting things published I almost considered it. But in my soul I heard, “You’re not for sale.”
Scroll forward a few weeks, a few stabs in the back because Ridgeview News and friends and family of Ridgeview News didn’t fall into line with a certain political party, I realized that had I, in my weakened condition sold out, I’d have not only been selling the result of decades of dreams of being a publisher, but also I’d have been selling my community out by allowing our political narrative to return to one sided.
I learned early in my life when I worked for the Calhoun Chronicle that the controlling a news source controlled the narrative. I hated that aspect of it. I still do. I don’t want to control any narrative except the truth. The good, bad, and the ugly. When I give an opinion, I forewarn you, because my opinion or anyone else’s can be wrong. But there is a line in the sand for truth that can’t be crossed if a news source is going to be trusted. I have to report what I believe to be true. If it turns out not to be true, I need to report that too.
- Old fact: I was a die hard Republican.
- New fact: I have switched to the Independent Party following a distasteful episode of politics.
- Old fact: I am a Christian – Conservative – American
- New fact: I still am and in that order.
- Old fact: I was anti-Democrat
- New fact: I still am with a big “BUT.” Make all the jokes you want… it’s true.
- Here’s the but:
- Old fact: I was and am against any Democrats who are pro-abortion, anti gun, anti-law enforcement and anti American. I do not believe that all local Democrat’s fall into that category and never have. BUT – Being a Republican anti abortion, pro-gun and pro law enforcement doesn’t erase/trump (pun intended) lying, false accusations, slandering the character of good people, or attempting the removal of anyone who disagrees or questions you.
- Definite Fact: God is neither Republican nor Democrat. God is truth. Therefore we know He’s not involved in politics.
As previously stated, “Ridgeview is not for sale.” I am committed to the return of reporting better. I could use the community’s help in advising me of things going on, sending me pictures when something happens, or just dropping me a message via phone or social media with a story idea. But even without it, I’ll try to do more.
As for the coming election: I have treated every candidate with the same opportunity to run their platform and advertise on my website. The suggestion that I have been unfair is a blatant lie and an attempt to undermine the truth of the Ridgeview News. My daughter, Whitney Butler, is a candidate. Like any parent should – I support her, I know her heart and her work ethic and passion for doing right is beyond anyone I’ve ever known. My news site… my opinion. BUT… The attacks on her and others because they dare to question the powers that be on procedures and decisional ethics are not acceptable in an election year or outside of an election year.
Ridgeview News is not for sale. Nor should anyone be. Don’t fall for fake news and don’t sell out because someone tries to sell you a bill of goods that’s not worth the paper it’s written on. In the words of my dad Gene Hardway, when asked why he didn’t retaliate against false accusations during his election years, “If they know me, they know me.”
“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” — Billy Graham
Good morning Shari. That is a clever shirt. I understand the struggles of caring for a parent. We have been taking care of my dad for the past two years which has taught me a lot. It has taught me about patience which is hard to grasp since my dad was the most impatient person one could ever meet years ago. Now I pray everyday to do better with my patience. Glad you are not selling out and I agree. No one should. Be real. Be truthful and the rest is out of our control. Go in the direction you are guided in and do the best you can. The rest will fall into place. Stop lying. Stop trying to do things that benefit you, but get out there and get something accomplished. Even if some do not like it. We are all on this ride at this point in time together. Stay strong and stay well. See you on the ridge.
I’m always so grateful for response and attitude of community encouragement even though you too have had your share of struggles in Calhoun!
Good for you Shari. It is a shame that we have lost many good people who were dedicated and went above and beyond to do what they could to make our community a better place and fiscally responsible because of failure to align with certain factions. Disagreement is inevitable when looking for solutions- but when open discussions are not really open and differing opinions label you as a dissident and troublemaker, or any one of a variety of many other accusations, is it any wonder why? The sad part is the community loses as whole. There is so much that could be accomplished by working together rather than seeking an agenda that ultimately will lead to destruction of some kind, total or otherwise. We see what has happened – look at what the city office and the water boards is experiencing now- as well as previous administrations in all of our offices. Things are said and done by many on both sides of issues because when logic, and common sense and reasoning fail to convince, personal attacks and defending oneself is the last line of defense. Are people perfect? No. Does anyone deserve to be mocked or slandered for having an opinion? No. Does Calhoun County have the base to grow and become what God designed it to be? Absolutely. We can qu0te scripture all we want- but if we do not live it we render it useless. I agree with you that we are Christian first and foremost- and kudos to you for not selling the paper. I may not agree with you on some things but the fact that you provide an open forum for free discussion is beyond price. It is very easy to make off hand remarks. To bad many have tried to help and are now to discouraged to even vote because of all that has happened. Which is probably a good strategy for those with a different agenda. Pray that God will heal our county and nation. He is our only hope.