What I Know

In recent days, our community has been ablaze with charges of duplicity and betrayal. Speculation is rampant and facts are elusive. I’ve remained silent until now because I wanted to take the time to assemble a coherent response. The last thing I wish is to fan the flames.

And yet, speak I must. Several readers asked me to share my thoughts and provide some sort of clarity. “I don’t know” doesn’t seem like a proper answer.

I don’t possess all of the facts and I recognize this places me on dangerous ground. Consequently, I choose to examine what I do know.

I know that upon learning of these revelations, I was shocked. Later, I felt frustration, sadness, and disappointment. Slowly, though, as the hours and days passed, so have these emotions. I have now reconciled myself to the world as it is. I can live with this.

I know good people can, and sometimes do, make serious mistakes. Such mistakes can cause damage as surely as if it were intended. But in this instance, I am convinced that the resulting harm was not intentional. That observation provides little solace for the victims of miscalculation, but it may offer a path toward reconciliation.

I know the siren’s song of blogging popularity. One taste of this elixir, in the form of glowing comments and e-mails filled with praise, is all it takes to get hooked. I regularly toy with the idea of dropping MBS in favor of other worthy pursuits. But I keep coming back for one more post, one more answered e-mail, and one more comment. I love my readers and I don’t want to let them down. I understand how this relentless pull could cause someone to unwittingly slide down a slippery ethical slope.

I know that the truth matters. Bloggers, whether we accept it or not, are considered role models by hundreds or even thousands of unseen readers. This was perhaps the most surprising revelation of my blogging experience. I thought I was just sharing my thoughts and tales with like-minded folks out here on the internet. When I learned that others sought to emulate Randy and me, I was dumbfounded. We get along well and have a good time, but there’s really nothing extraordinary about us. It was then that I understood the responsibility that comes with being a blogger. People read our words and sometimes act upon them. As a result, I feel the need to provide accurate and unbiased information.

I know I want the hurting to stop. We can’t easily repair this situation. Nor can we ignore it or turn back the clock. Perhaps the storm will blow over in time. Perhaps the naked candor demonstrated of late will promote greater understanding within our community. Come what may, I desire to do what I can to rebuild trust.

I know that I don't wish to abandon my friends. Paul has always been very supportive of me and of this blog. His thoughtful comments were, and are, most appreciated. PK has been a fellow traveler. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and mourned over life’s milestones both big and small.

I know that I cannot in good conscience endorse or condone these misrepresentations. But I also know that I can forgive.