By Pauline Masson –
Since my story last week about two lady protesters taking on City Hall, I’ve been astonished at the outcry on local social media pages about what citizens see as what is right and wrong with our city. The comments were all over the board of small town life, far afield from what I wrote about.
One thing was clear, residents are more informed about government shenanigans than I would have guessed – and more confident in what they would like to see aldermen do – or not do.
The Red Cedar, city swimming pool, federal grants, feral cats, local restaurants, the lack of a newsprint city newspaper, and public protest were all on readers’ minds. Social media and free speech each took a hit.
Pauline Masson’s role as political critic and commentator was really lambasted. It could have brought me to tears, coming as it did from someone I had considered, if not a friend, at least a friendly acquaintance. But it had the opposite effect. Rather than make me angry, it sent me into a whirlwind of thinking about my life as a reporter, my belief that people who hate what I write should say so if they want to, and my tendency to meld journalism with personal opinion.
Yes, for fifty years I have done that. It was work I was paid to do, I should add. So Loyd Harris was right. I am a Liberal with a capital L. A bonafide, dyed-in-the-wool, one hundred percent Liberal. And I have unashamedly used my role as a paid journalist to try to influence governments to use their resources, talent and funds to help everybody. Everybody – not just friends, favorites and the well connected.
All this introspection has inspired me to put myself out there one more time. So here is my personal response to a tough talking guy that I used to consider a buddy, who now wants me to go away.
AN ODE TO LOYD HARRIS
I always liked you, Loyd. I liked your plain talk. And most of all, I I liked your easy laughter.
So, I’m not going to give in to your bullyboy tirade. You’re welcome to do it, but I’m not going to let you bait me into writing an essay on all the dumb things I remember you doing when you were on the board of aldermen.
I have other memories that l think come closer to the real you. I remember you as maybe a bit assertive but constant volunteer, out there for what seemed like every public event – directing traffic, assigning workers, delivering supplies, picking up trash when it was over, and as the best hometown Santa Claus I ever saw.
My strongest memory of you, though, is really personal.You probably don’t even remember it. It was when Michele Bastean, my close friend and daily companion died unexpectedly and way too young,
She was like a little sister to me. We talked every day, in each other’s homes, in public and on the phone. She could do so many things. We talked about her paintings, cooking, music, sewing, and books (yes, men really were from Mars.) And then she was gone.
When I stepped into the church for her funeral, directly in front of me was a beautiful framed photograph of her in her best cowgirl hat and the backs of a church full of people.
I could hear myself making a gulping choking sound trying to hold back sobs. I could not move forward.
I glanced back at a wall with a low bench along its entire length. I backed up and sat on the bench away from the other mourners. You got up from your seat, came back and sat beside me. You didn’t say anything, You just patted my shoulder and nodded, which helped to settle me down. You sat there with me for the entire service. At the end I think you asked if I was okay to drive home alone. That thoughtful act in one of the most excruciating times of my life is a memory worth way more than your baffling need to harass me now with some misguided notion that your opinion has more value than mine.
You’re way off base, but it’s okay. You go right ahead with your tough guy rants and bewildering insults. I think I’m just going hold on to images of the better side of your character for a while before I decide to make war on an old hero.
Don’t let em get you down Pauline. We appreciate what you do.
What a great story, don’t pay any attention to the naysayers, keep doing what you do, keep observing, reporting and, critiquing the government. Fifty years of experience clearly speaks volumes!
Jim McHugh, Pacific Opera House
Pauline:
We are meeting on Monday, July 8th in the Opera House to present and discuss an effort to brand the City Center and advance some rather progressive ideas. You have always been a compelling voice of support for the Opera House and downtown businesses and we hope you will join us at 3:00 pm on Monday. I have been wanting to call you but haven’t been able to find your phone number. Would appreciate a call.
Hope you and Bob are doing well.
Best regards
Jim McHugh
Pauline: The City Center Initiative met on Wednesday afternoon, July 17 at the Opera House to continue our journey to brand an Arts Entertainment Center in City Central, defined as a postage stamp shaped area centered on the City Clock at St Louis Street and First Street and extending two blocks in all directions. A group of owners of buildings and businesses who share a common vision for City Central with their 25 retail sales and service businesses, including 10 restaurants (operating or planned). This group of owners have their lives and fortunes committed and invested in City Central and see this initiative as a necessary strategy for survival and growth.
Of the many subjects and plans reviewed, the Sternwheeler riverboat (Joe McGowan – principal , architect) and the new premium burger restaurant by John Reese headed the agenda.
We welcomed the opening of the new Camilias Tex Mex restaurant in City Central, Ron Sansone’s plans for his upgraded Iron Gate building, Greg Omer’s plans for the Bird Song Building restaurant, Julie Roberts plans for the Pages Bookstore, and the beat goes on.
The new branding campaign for City Central (FROM THE 1904 WORLDS FAIR TO GASLIGHT SQUARE) has begun.
Thanks, Pauline, for all that you do for the community.
Jim McHugh – The Opera House
Pauline,
Gregg shared your blog w me from
July 7. Gosh we had such a chuckle…
Your response to Mr. Harris Certainly gave us another perspective of him.
Talking about the moment of kindness shown to you at your dear friend’s funeral.
It reminded us of you giving Gregg a newspaper writers steno and pencil to be buried with his dad.
During his tenure on the Pacific board Gregg admired your dedication to news publication and presenting your perspective; well as others perspectives. You share a kindred spirit with Gregg’s father Peter Rahn who wrote the radio television editorial for the Globe-Democrat newspaper for 50 yrs.
Pete worked only two jobs in his life, he served as quarter master for the US army in Greenland during WWII and his job as a newspaper writer. I don’t think he really thought of it as a job because like you it was his passion.
Pauline your blog made us think
Life is made of moments.
If only more of us would live in the moment we could know each other on a deeper level than the carnival of politics. Our current lives are surrounded by the notion that “It’s OK to say anything to anyone without regard for their options or experiences.”
Decorum is what we could use.
Pauline you need to write a book about your experiences as a news woman!
You are talented funny and have a way of setting us straight when we become too serious or too callous to each other.
I think Mr. Harris would agree w me.
You owe it to us your loyal followers.
Please delight us w a book written by a woman journalist.
Sincerely Susan Rahn
Susan,
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I especially liked your comment that “life is made of moments.” Without being consciously aware of it, that is what I was trying to convey with my memory of Loyd Harris at a really tough moment for me. I’ve been surprised at the amount of encouragement I’ve received following that last post. Some readers thought I was being being beat up. But I wasn’t. I liked my Loyd Harris piece and hoped others might as well. Best wishes, Pauline
Pauline: The City Center Initiative met on Wednesday afternoon, July 17 at the Opera House to continue our journey to brand an Arts Entertainment Center in City Central, defined as a postage stamp shaped area centered on the City Clock at St Louis Street and First Street and extending two blocks in all directions. A group of owners of buildings and businesses who share a common vision for City Central with their 25 retail sales and service businesses, including 10 restaurants (operating or planned). This group of owners have their lives and fortunes committed and invested in City Central and see this initiative as a necessary strategy for survival and growth.
Of the many subjects and plans reviewed, the Sternwheeler riverboat (Joe McGowan – principal , architect) and the new premium burger restaurant by John Reese headed the agenda.
We welcomed the opening of the new Camilias Tex Mex restaurant in City Central, Ron Sansone’s plans for his upgraded Iron Gate building, Greg Omer’s plans for the Bird Song Building restaurant, Julie Roberts plans for the Pages Bookstore, and the beat goes on.
The new branding campaign for City Central (FROM THE 1904 WORLDS FAIR TO GASLIGHT SQUARE) has begun.
Thanks, Pauline, for all that you do for the community.
Jim McHugh – The Opera House
Wonderfully written article, Pauline.