Can't we all just disagree?
Negativity is everywhere.
It doesn't matter if it's a big or small city, there is going to be some degree of negativity in the air.
And the newspaper needs to report it.
It is the duty of the employees at the paper to report good, bad, and funny news.
Like it or not.
We don't just run Your Turn and Letters to the Editor that praise our devout dedication to the community. Mainly because we need something on the editorial page.
We don't leave out docket reports of someone we know.
And we don't only write articles about sports teams that win.
We report what happens, and let you decide for yourself what is right or wrong, funny or bland, news or entertainment.
It doesn't always put us (and especially, but unfairly, the editor) in the best light.
But we suck it up and move on.
My second run as sports editor is at seven weeks now, and it feels as if I haven't missed a beat.
Now that's my opinion, if you feel different (and that's OK) my e-mail is at the bottom of the page.
The main reason I feel like I just took a long vacation is the fact community members have been so welcoming.
They have told my wife and I they are glad to have us back in the community, and we tell them sincerely we are glad to be back.
It feels good to know that without question most people in Marion have welcomed our family back to town.
But I'm not naïve enough to think everyone cares our family is back, or everyone likes my writing.
It's OK to have people disagree with you. In fact it's a good thing.
During my time at the paper, I have had plenty of people disagree with me, or point out mistakes. Most of the time, I've been OK with it. It's the unwarranted, sarcastic, and patronizing e-mails I could live without.
Especially the ones who refuse to attach a name.
You know who you are.
But the fact remains, not everyone agrees with everything anybody says.
And that doesn't go for only newspaper personnel.
If we stand around waiting for a pat on the back, we will be waiting longer than the line at the mall to see Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
We need to stop being uptight about people who don't agree with us, whether we work for the newspaper, the city, the county, an out-of-town company, or our kids, and realize that is how America works.
Not everyone loves you no matter who you are. Deal with it.
If everyone agreed with each other, we'd be living in some kind of psycho Teletubby world.
And parents, you know all too well that would drive everyone nuts.
But we still need to go about our disagreements in a civil manner.
I am just going to say thank you to the people of Marion who have welcomed my family back, either with words or actions, because although unnecessary, it's appreciated.
However, those who don't like my writing, well, take a
To reach Mike Norris call 620-382-2165 or send an e-mail to, mnorris817@yahoo.com or mike@marionrecord.com.
