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Responses to the Minority Report

Kate Marianchild

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Kate Marianchild helped with editing and proofing of the Secret Life of KZYX. Then, a few weeks later, to my surprise, Kate jumped right into the KZYX board election in support of my opponent. She wrote letters to the local peace groups and the Ukiah Daily Journal, and who knows where else.

The exchange below, came after the election, which I lost, as Kate and I engaged in a mental wrestling match about "means and ends," "propaganda" and "radical journalism."

And at the very end, we must have settled something, because she gives me a real compliment..

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Dear King,  

You say that I didn't address issues in my letter to the editor supporting Jane Futcher for the board of KZYX/Z.

I just want to point out that I did address issues, as much as I felt qualified to.  I said that Jane would support greater member input and other needed reforms, including a Ukiah satellite studio. In making those statements I was clearly voicing my support for those ideas. Not having much direct experience with the radio station I didn't feel motivated to say more.

I think that for you to be more politically effective you would do well to realize that people make political choices based on more than ideas. That's just a fact. The nature of their past interactions with candidates influences them greatly, regardless of the person's ideas. I remember when Patti Campbell was running for supervisor, many people voted for her based on her integrity even though they didn't agree with her on many issues. I know people who like your ideas but not your practice. Perhaps it is time for you to work on your practice.


Kate
4/9/05

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King to Kate:

As I see it, “we” are at the end of the first of several stages of a continuing agitation for community control of our local media. You've been a jolly good player, so far.

It seems to me that the "agitators" are the ones doing most of the learning right now. By the way, your letter writing campaign had the mark of a seasoned "political agitator." It takes one to know one.

In your letter to the editor, my thoughts are hardly recognizable. (That's what I hate about electoral politics: everyone feels justified putting a spin on the facts.). I am a “political agitator” for what? You don’t mention “public disclosure and free speech” or the fact that this is the first known instance of a truthful report to the membership, an act that in itself required considerable effort and skill.

Instead you credit my opponent (Jane Futcher) for supporting “member feedback" and unspecified “reforms.” You admit that the purpose of your letter (the end) was to elect Jane and defeat me. That end justified the less-than-transparent means used to distract the reader from essential content and the truth of your own bias.

In my seemingly bizarre code of political ethic,  separation of means and ends is manipulation, only justified under duress (like police or criminal violence). It’s a kind of lie, and once accepted, there is no end to the manipulation that can be justified.

Like they say, it’s how you play the game. . .

King

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Kate responds:

King

My ultimate purpose was not to elect Jane over you, but to improve the functionality of the Board by bringing in a Director whose positions and practice will help coalesce the Board in a progressive direction, rather than stalemate it. I think you have helped significantly in defining the issues, and your work will almost certainly move the Board in a more member-centered direction, as it probably already has.

Kate

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Well thank you, Kate. That's about the most supportive thing anyone has said. If my effort suceeds in "defining the issues" and "moving the Board in a more member-centered direction" then we have made one giant step in the right direction. For member control to take root it must first be understood. Are we beginning to get the idea of what member-centered means? Are enough people thinking about it?

I think so... Stay tuned.

King Collins
May 1, 2005

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king@greenmac.com
707-468-5513

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