After reading the reasonable and measured responses written by Mark and Jason to Maureen’s viewpoint on FPF usage, I was tempted to thank them both and let it go at that, but the more I thought about the subject, the more I wanted to add my two cents…

I’ve only lived in the Five Sisters for two years, but I’m grateful for the diversity of my neighbors and their opinions.  And, as all who’ve met me can attest, I’m not reluctant to express my own.  A community is defined by a collection of values, not always in agreement, but strengthened by the dynamics of discussion.  The central purpose of government is to bring stability to society, but it is the responsibility of the governed to continuously question government policies, with regard to current social attitudes.  If we shirk that responsibility, the government is no longer “of the people”.  (remember those words?).

Using Front Porch Forum only to borrow rakes or find the best electrician trivializes its potential and our community.  We don’t (or at least I don’t) live here because of our proximity to Lowes, or the many choices in refuse collection.  Although these are necessary and useful parts of our lives, they are the trivial parts. Let’s try to identify what is important to each of us to make the world a better place and work within our community to advance our ideas, either locally or globally.  To me respectful disagreement about philosophy and politics  is preferable to a low key social facade that isolates each of us within our own bubbles of self-consistent rationale.

I’m disappointed that each of the last three days someone has pulled down a campaign sign we had for Deb Markowitz in front of our house on North Prospect Street. Today, the sign was swiped. Regardless of who I (or you) support, this kind of political vandalism is  disturbing and uncalled for. It’s very uncharacteristic of Burlington, and I hope if the person who did this is reading this message, they return the sign with an apology.

And minutes after getting the word out via FPF, he posted a follow-up with some good news…

Front Porch Forum postings work fast! My two missing Deb Markowitz signs were spotted next to a post office box on Loomis Street by State Rep. Kesha Ram after she saw my message on FPF. She graciously returned them, and told me that several of her campaign signs have also been swiped. Ripping out candidates’ signs or defacing them is just plain wrong and disrespectful.  In any event, thanks Kesha!

I am so appreciative of Front Porch Forum.  It has consistently worked to help us connect with others regarding community issues and activities important to us.  We have used it to coordinate and announce community events.  We have given away items, sold items, purchased items, found items to borrow, etc., etc.  We got our dog via FPF, we found a used ping-pong table via FPF, and we found quality artisans, technicians and workers via FPF.  We have asked questions and found resources via FPF. Thank you so much to everyone who participates, and to the creators…

You are welcome, Mel… and thank you!

Bob is putting together a TV series and a documentary out of this tour… to rival his work on PBS.  We’re thrilled!

He wrote today about the visit on his blog.

Front Porch Forum is a great tool for us and many times we can address issues just by “hearing” the tone of a neighborhood.  It is especially helpful as the buzz begins about neighborhood or traffic issues.  Having the Corporal be a part of all 20 FPF neighborhood forums in our town is a great asset to us when trying to best serve our community.

Just wanted to give a big thank you over the Front Porch Forum to the person who mowed my lawn? I really appreciate it. I’ve been asking around to thank you in person, but I still don’t know who you are!  So if it was you, again, thanks very much.

I want to thank the wonderful neighbors, none of whom I’d ever met, with their generous offers of booster chairs. I could start a little day care restaurant! Just to let you know, I’ve borrowed one from Laurie. And I also want to thank Michael and Front Porch Forum for fostering such great neighborhood spirit.