Confidence behind social media
This week we watched how people hiding behind a telephone screen sending nasty messages to former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, going beyond all decency and respect.
As any proud father, Mr. Schilling tweeted a message congratulating his daughter for joining a softball team at school. Such a simple message was greeted by other good wishes and several men went on a filthy diatribe, very offensive, violent and sexual in nature directed to his daughter. Fortunately, one of those guys was fired from his job and another one from the school he was attending as a result of their tweets.
It’s about time that people are taking action against others spewing venom probably believing in anonymity. We see it often in Facebook and even on radio; sometimes they don’t even know the individual they are criticizing or complaining about, using horrendous personal attacks in violation of all human civility. Why would they think the media gives them that right?
Decent people are treated like criminals or hookers with no proof or facts for the accusations. This is not a question of differences of opinions. Even when a radio station offers a disclaimer that “the station is not responsible for the comments made by hosts or guests on their programs,” the issue of morality, decency and respect in the media should be controlled by its management.
Let’s hope that the Curt Schilling’s issue resulting in those two firings will teach a lesson to social media fans that their words hurt people’s sensibilities and reputations and we’re ready to fight back.
Police recruitment
We have been publicizing a notice from the Nashua Police Department announcing that they are recruiting new officers. Their test will take place on April 18 and the deadline to file an application is April 6.
That announcement has been appearing in Rumbo for several weeks compared to the one just received this week from the City of Lawrence with a March 10 deadline. I must question the sincerity of our city officials neglecting posting this notice earlier.
I think that the city should be trying to start a new crop of recruits fresh from the Academy. Just this past week I heard of two officers that were suspended (both Latinos) one for being offensive and disrespectful to a resident looking for information at the front desk. His behavior was appalling and vulgar but we’ve heard stories like that before from other officers. The second was for beating up a woman in public while off duty. I don’t believe that incident ever made it in the news because it was months ago and they just got around to giving him the suspension.
We need new police officers so that we can get rid of some of those who have not learned the true meaning of serving the public, but I don’t think the city is being sincere in this hiring effort. My take on it is that, if we don’t have sufficient recruits from Lawrence, the city then will be able to pick from the Civil Service list more friends from outside.
Lately, it has been bothering me that I see a concerted effort each time a managerial position is created or announced, those jobs seem to go to non-Lawrencians. I will probably be able to give more details in the next few weeks but it is very upsetting seeing that it usually works that way.
Most important is the hiring of a permanent police chief. While James Fitzpatrick remains in limbo, I doubt many serious decisions will be made. If a new police chief is hired, he will have to go back to his rank of captain and work with his peers. Meanwhile, I understand that the department is running amuck with no policy or procedures being followed.
Which brings me back to the city council: They can make all the rules and ordinances they want but if they do not follow the existing ones, they are only making noise and pretending to be doing their work but accomplishing nothing.
