Re: [Paddlewise] Portland Peace Paddle (addendum)

I'm not trying to fan flames or muddy the waters, to mix n match 
cliches.

It's worth noting that any number of "Paddle For...." events are 
political,
even when they seem to be 'slam dunks' for most of those on the list, 
or connect to issues
that appear far less contentious.  Fund-raising events to fight breast 
cancer or other illnesses are
political when governments ignore the demographics of disease, or drug 
companies
choose to research and develop certain classes of drugs instead of 
others.
AIDS/HIV paddles, cycle tours, etc.  Raise money for the Homeless, food 
banks,
Habitat for Humanity, Jerry's Kids, etc. etc. etc. all have their 
political elements
and all connect to controversy.  Just because I or you don't recognize 
or validate
the controversial aspects, or if we subject them to differing measuring 
sticks,
doesn't mean they don't exist.    My point is, who gets to decide what 
qualifies as 'political'?

Each of us is allowed to fume, quietly or otherwise, about any number 
of issues
that are raised on this list.  When we post our invitations or our 
responses, we
hopefully try to self-govern and weigh the signal to noise ratio before 
hitting the
send key.

The Portland event relates to the list because it involves paddling.
The invitation would best be made in ways that acknowledge the
controversial nature of the event as well as its connection to the list.
If the invitation is made to inform those who might be so inclined,
and not to promote or preach a narrow politic, then it seems fair
to post to the list...along with any other similar types of notices and
invitations.  I'd encourage those who post such invitations to limit 
the post
to announcing the event (who what where when) and any relevant 
sponsorships
such that those reading can quickly decide to hit delete, or email off 
list a reply
requesting additional information.


Will Jennings
Lecturer, Rhetoric Department
158 English-Philosophy Bldg.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa  52242
william-jennings_at_uiowa.edu

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