This Comment Deserves A Post

I'm not an Albero lover or a firefighter lover, not a hater of either. I read this blog because it approaches things about this area in ways I haven't seen in print before, in good ways and bad. But for once, I'm going to stick my nose into something.

Respectfully, as Albero might say.

First, Albero, I think we all got your point about the SFD and diversity and the promotions, etc. Some of your criticisms seem to be founded. But as you yourself have said, I believe there are a lot of good folks in the fire dept. I've known some in other places I've lived, so I suspect here is no different. And, as you've also said, the mayor retaliates against anyone who speaks out. I followed a lot of that forum and budget business, too.

But I think you went over the top and should have stopped while you were ahead.

But that brings me to some of the comments believed to be firefighters. And sorry guys (and gals), I do believe a lot of those comments were from firefighters.

Saying things like Albero might not be protected if harm came his way or response might be slower, well, it just sucks. Not just because it shows a lack of professionalism and ethics.

It sucks also because its a form of political retaliation just like what Albero has stood by the SFD against when it came to the forums and the mayor cutting their raises. Based on everything I read in the Daily Times, read here, the timing of it, what I heard on the street -- yep, there was lots of talk about it -- I don't believe for a second that the mayor didn't cut those raises out for spite.

So it bothers me quite a bit that folks who have been a victim of such would in turn deal with those they don't like in the same way. I don't know, maybe it's like abused children grow up to be abusers because that's what they got taught.

So, as just an average guy looking at all this from the outside and not knowing all the players, it just seems to me that both sides need to take a break and a step back.

Seems to me you guys need to find a way to get past this and work on what you have in common, which is dealing with a mayor that sticks it to guys and gals who put their lives on the line and sues bloggers for expressing an opinion that they suck at public service.

Maybe I'm just in a Thanksgiving mood, and my brother and I got passed some crap and his whole brood is shipping in tomorrow for some family time. Or maybe I just look around Salisbury and see something good dying off and think, "Damn shame." I don't know where the blame goes for that, but I don't the mayor's helped it, from all I read and hear. But maybe the blame lies with each of us for not taking a higher road with each other, being more involved, whatever.

The wife is calling for help with the table leaves, so I'll just say Happy Thanksgiving to you all.