Letter: The pitfalls of extremism in public discourse
Dear editor,
“Leadership,” “school board,” “election,” “conservative,” “liberal,” “woke,” “parental rights…”
Need I go on? We could certainly add to this list but those with a sensible mind already know where I’m going with this.
Depending on where you stand, these are the topics, the “buzzwords” that are thrown around all the time, especially as of late. The “discussions” that are had. I quote “discussions” for a reason. How often do we really see discussions over all of these things and others? Things that have merit to an extent, but not always to the extremes that we seem to see from some.
Shall we be real? If your answer was yes, then you know just as I do that most of the time when these topics are thrown out, they aren’t accompanied with discussions. They are lectures, condemnations, accusations, or any number of other things that come with trying to break down, belittle, or otherwise stifle those that see it differently than those pushing it. I’m not interested in getting into examples of how it doesn’t matter what side of the political aisle you stand on, what your philosophical outlook is on any given topic, or any other defining or dividing notion. This applies to all sides because we see it from liberals just as we see it from conservatives. If you want to discuss facts, those are simple ones.
With the election approaching, I’ve seen an uptick in communication from those reaching out to me in my capacity as a school board trustee and as current school board president. That being said, and before I go forward with this letter, I want to make abundantly clear that I am not writing any of this on behalf of the board, the district, nor as anything other than my voice and personal sentiments. Some of that communication, truly a very minute amount, is from a handful out there that have made it clear that they don’t like my leadership, or the lack thereof according to them. The majority, however, are those expressing gratitude and encouragement, both of which I don’t expect and am certainly not striving for, other than hoping that if I get such sentiment that it’s because the efforts I’m making to connect with them. That’s what I hear about, and it strengthens my resolve to push forward. Yet, I bring this up because while I choose not to engage in most things, especially politically, there are times I will and should still stand up for myself. For my “leadership” style, my efforts, and why I am your current school board president in my eyes.
In his recent letter to the editor, former trustee Chris Bausch decided to throw some jabs my way in his endorsement of Mr. Enney. Mind you, I will state here and now that I am not publicly endorsing either candidate. I have voted as is my right as a citizen, as a community member, a parent, and a taxpayer. That’s all that should be relevant here. Some of Mr. Bausch’s jabs included calling me “PRPE’s darling” and the claim that I am inexperienced. He also insinuated that I should have done more to stop Mr. Lynett from using his first amendment right at the podium during public comment as he discussed his feelings about PRPE and then at the very end shared how they are endorsing Ms. Hollander, just as others have done to endorse Mr. Enney.
Ironically, there are several things that are just simply false or lacking other than rhetoric in what Mr. Bausch said, feels, and spreads along with a handful of others. Here’s a simple reality, that’s his opinion and he’s entitled to it. When he stepped down to be appointed to the city council, I reached out to him and asked to get coffee so he and I could talk. I did so out of respect because while Mr. Bausch and I may not agree on all things, I respected that he’s an intelligent man and had several years on the board. Even if, at times, I didn’t feel he handled things or even people with the respect I feel we should afford, I wasn’t naive to the value of his opinion. I value hearing and seeing what others feel and think, it doesn’t mean I’ll change my own mind but at least I know that I’ve not limited myself to the extent of my experience. How else does one lead? His response? He formally but politely acknowledged the voicemail I left and then shared that he would need to think about it. I didn’t hear from him again.
Regarding being PRPE’s darling, that’s an interesting accusation. Things that I voted on while he was still on the board, he voted to approve as well. Many of the things I brought forward he sided with, just as I did with many of the things he did. So beyond our different view on the CRT “Resolution” (not the agreement that it shouldn’t be in our schools at our level), his stance vs. mine on keeping a campus on the north side of town, just how am I PRPE’s darling? For supporting good programs being brought forward? Curriculum? Goodness – if the latter, I sure hope people really dig into that deeper because there’s a lot more to it than the narrative that was thrown out by a couple of people. I just don’t see how I’m PRPE’s darling, but it did make for a good jab, albeit hollow.
As for leadership, leadership is not defined as overtly pushing your beliefs upon others. Leadership is not strong-arming those around you in order to get your way. One does not need to stare down peers to make a point because you are unhappy with something. You don’t need to talk in mutters when they are looking the opposite way because you see things differently. Leadership IS defined as “the action of leading a group of people or an organization.” How one does that is clearly up for debate, but what some describe as my inexperience is actually my effort to respect that as a trustee I am one voice of six, soon to be seven. (Vote! Regardless of who I feel should be up there, vote!) A voice among other voices that are equal. As president, my role is to facilitate the meeting and participate as an equal when engaging with others. I, like my peers, will use my voice to express how I feel and those I represent but that’s what we are all tasked with. My fellow trustees have voices and it is not my desire, nor should it be anyone’s desire, to stifle them. After spending the last two years watching the overt negativity in our meetings, often involving bickering and back and forth, I push and strive to be inclusive, positive, and respectful in order to set an example. Yes, I believe in manners, humility, and kindness. Yes, I even welcome and regularly openly encourage civil discourse!
It is merely a tactic to try to create a doorway for political narratives when one attempts to discredit what I do. Our meetings have changed in tone, effort, and civility, and so have those that come TO our meetings. That is a positive change.
Am I perfect? Of course I’m not. Am I always learning more and finding my feet still? Absolutely. Yet, my fellow trustees saw me fit to lead. I was even semi-jokingly referenced at the last meeting when one of my trustees talked about how nice it was to have a healthy, civil, and productive dialogue that allowed us to work through different opinions to come to a compromise. Something we’ve done often and I have faith will continue; I am proud I’ve pushed this as one of my narratives and even my “agenda.”
Despite the fact that I am merely putting my voice out there to give a counter to the handful that have popped up as of late, I know it will elicit more of the attention that can come in times like these. However, it won’t deter me. It shouldn’t deter you from joining me in my efforts either. Whether you agree with me politically or not, there is plenty of room for us ALL to get along and even work to make this small community of ours more loving. Yes, I choose to end all of this with another kumbaya.
Humbly shared,
Nathan Williams
Paso Robles
Editor’s note: Opinion pieces and letters to the editor are the personal opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paso Robles Daily News or its staff. We welcome letters from local residents regarding relevant local topics. To submit one, click here.
