Dear Editor:
I grew up in Culver City and moved to the South Bay when I was 22
years old. I recently married and my husband and I are planning on
moving back to Culver City in the near future to raise our children.
I have been observing local politics since I was a child (I was taken
to a lot of meetings!) and have watched the de-evolution of civility,
especially in writings. People used to write letters to the editor
promoting their candidate’s attributes. Now, since the advent of
blogs, facebook and e mail, they write like they gossip, trying to
tear down other candidates through lies and innuendo.
This is the not Culver City I loved nor want to raise my children in today.
I know most of you, I grew up with your kids. Your parents and my mom
were friends. I am asking everyone – stop! Stop the hate before it
is too late! We are taught in school not to bully and how are we to
set an example for our children to not bully when the adults in our
community continue to bully each other and spread hate and lies? This
has got to end.
Please, stop the hatred before it ruins what Culver City meant to me:
family, friendly atmosphere and a place where we can feel accepted for
who we are, regardless of circumstance.
Sincerely,
Jessica Stuart O’Neill
Dear Jessica,
Thank you for writing this letter; there are a few other people who have spoken out, but no one has written such a poignant letter as yours.
I totally agree with the sentiments you express in your letter. This a terrible time in Culver City’s history; it is rather terrifying to see so much hate in what I always considered a very accepting community. What is really sad is that most of the heated rhetoric is based on misinformation and the refusal to communicate with each other.
It is tragic to see adults setting bad examples for our children. I read the School District’s anti-bullying website; the adults’ behavior fits the definition of what a bully does.
Unfortunately, Culver City appears to be a microcosm of what is happening all over the country (which is puzzling given that it is more progressive than other cities).
Once again, thank you for your plea to bring our city back to its senses before it is too late.
Susan Levy