AUNTIE STEVE SMITH AND SITUATIONAL ETHICS
The almost daily Daily Pilot's resident scold, and notorious trash can burner, Auntie Steve Smith, got our respect a few years ago when he spoke out about the Newport Mesa Unified School District's board of directors' seeming double standard when one of its members got popped for DUI.
The CM PRESS believed then (and now), that if the district was going to give a strong message to kids against drinking and driving, that it should set a good example itself and not send mixed messages.
Instead, the board of directors seemed to close ranks to try to protect their fellow director. It looked as though the board was trying to sweep the matter under the rug where no one would see it.
When that happened, there were, if I remember correctly, only two voices in the community who forcefully spoke out against the double standard--Steve Smith, and the CM PRESS.
That was then, this is now...
Even though Smith doesn't seem to get it about improvement and is too easily swayed by neurotic bigots and haters who try to portray improvement efforts as anti-Latino (they're not), we've remembered the DUI matter as a sign that somewhere in Smith's brain is a better angel.
This better angel says, among other things, that you don't try to hide public problems, such as a high violent crime rate, from others.
And, this better angel says that only by letting people know about such things can people protect themselves and their families and actually try to do something about the problem by realizing there is a problem.
"If you want to fix something, you have to know it's broken," sings the angel.
If, for example, we try to hide the fact that Costa Mesa has a very high violent crime rate and that certain neighborhoods are more dangerous than others, we do a disservice to people who may naively and innocently move into those neighborhoods and subsequently become victims of the crime that was hidden from them.
The Mission-Mendoza slum
We previously cited the example of a young female student at OCC who moved into the Mission-Mendoza slum, in Katrina Foley's neighborhood close to OCC. It wasn't long before this young girl was found murdered in her apartment. Her killer has never been found.
If that girl had been related to us, we would have told her that there's more crime in that slum than elsewhere and that this just increases the probability that she may be a crime victim if she moves there.
Maybe she would have ignored our advice, but at least she would have been warned of the danger and as a result she might have been a little more wary.
That girl was someone's daughter, someone's cousin, someone's friend. She didn't deserve to have the local establishment lull her into a false sense of security because the local establishment is afraid that businesses won't locate here if they know about the crime.
With our warning, even if it had just been retained in the back of her mind, she might not have been as likely, for example, to quickly open her door when there was an unexpected knock.
Has the better angel moved?It now appears that the better angel in Smith's brain has moved out of town--probably heard about the crime--even though Smith tries to deny its reality.
Then again, maybe Smith's better angel is just taking a break in this political season lest voters learn the truth and then not cast their votes for the squishy, soft on crime candidates that Smith wants to see elected to the Costa Mesa City Council.
Below is the thread of comments between Smith and a poster named Silverthorn that appears after one of Smith's recent columns. We've removed the pedestrian blatherings of the sad little man from the thread because, as usual, they're meaningless. The latest post is the first one below.
Read and see how Smith is seemingly saying that we should lie about our crime problems in Costa Mesa, and then twists himself into a pretzel to deny that he is saying that. No wonder he backs Dancing Sneen for the City Council.* LINK
I wish I could simply say that this is the difference between the liberal mind, as represented by Smith, and the conservative mind but, unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. But, that's for another column.
Here's the thread:
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:57 PM:
" If you know information and withhold it, it's the same as lying. No twisting involved. "Artful" politicians are what got us in a lot of these situations because they didn't tell the whole truth. You keep looking at it as scaring people away while I think intelligent people understand and respect honesty. We have gangs/illegals. and if they aren't dealt with we become another SA. You believe people don't already know that? I don't want "artful" I want honest. They seldom co-mingle. You have good intentions Steve but I disagree with your definitions and concepts. Thanks for debating it Steve. "
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steve smith wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:46 PM:
" Silverthorn, Please avoid distorting my comments. I am not recommending, nor do I know of anyone who is purposely trying to conceal the facts about our problems. That is not what an artful leader does. Tricking people? I'm not sure where that came from either - certainly not from me. And yes, I expect people to check us out. If you want to see the scary picture of CM painted by Allan, listen to his national O'Reilly interview (Google it). I would not move here or invest here after seeing that footage. Very poor representation of this fine city. "
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Silverthorn wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:49 PM:
" I agree on disagreeing in a civil manner. But the "artful" concealment of facts to present a false image of conditions to me isn't truth. It's unfortunate that so many think this type of politics is business as usual. And that you don't believe people aren't smart enough to thoroughly check out anyplace before moving their business or family is disappointing. The method of tricking people into moving here without the truth leads to a strained untrusting collection of citizens and businesses. I don't want artful speeches to make me feel better, I want strait talking problem solvers. "
Report Abuse
steve smith wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Silverthorn: By "artful" I mean someone who has the ability to accomplish goals without alienating (too many) people. Our on-line exchanges are a good example. Here we are, two people who disagree on key issues, but we have not sunk to name-calling and our dialog has continued for quite sometime. We are still talking in a civil, respectful manner, which is more than we can say for some members of the city council. An artful person navigates both sides of issues and understands that there is more to winning than just advancing one's agenda. Hope that helps. Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:34 PM:
" Maybe you have a different term you use for concealing the truth. Sure, people do it all the time. When A car salesman tells you a car is good when he knows the transmission is bad, it's OK. It's just part of his job, just ask his boss. By the way Steve, what does, "An artful city councilperson understands how to solve the city's problems without broadcasting them nationwide", mean but hide the truth? Just wondering. I personally feel most adults would prefer to know the truth rather than have someone hold it back "for their own good". "
Report Abuse
Steve Smith wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:46 PM:
" Silverthorn, show me where I wrote that we should hide the truth and I will donate $100 to your favorite charity. I have said only that we should not be broadcasting it on national TV and the radio. Thanks - Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:04 PM:
" So you're sticking with the "let's not tell the truth because it sounds bad" philosophy. Gangs and illegal aliens (not immigrants) are a problem everywhere. The Chamber of Commerce may not want to face this because it makes it tougher but let's stop ignoring the elephant in the room. Illegals and gangs are at the root of most of the major issues we face. Politicians hiding the truth aren't "skilled" and cause more trouble than they avoid. One of RtR's faults wae their desire to look the other way on crime. Let's fix problems, not hide them from others. "
Report Abuse
Steve Smith wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:19 PM:
" Silverthorn: An artful city councilperson understands how to solve the city's problems without broadcasting them nationwide. Giving the nation the impression that the city is overrun with gangs and illegal immigrants is not the type of publicity we need. It works against the chamber of commerce and the service organizations (Lions, Rotary), who work hard to promote what is good about Costa Mesa and who are trying to attract the investment that produces the revenue we can use to solve the very problems the Complainers are complaining about. All of these issues, you see, are connected. Thanks - Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:18 PM:
" Here we go again. I don't think the quote was about how CM is a terrible city. Stating truth should be applauded. Trying to hide information is what's wrong with a lot of politicians at all levels. I respect a campaign that states facts and outlines plans to accomplish stated goals. Not vague empty promises and attacks on opponents. If the best anyone can do is say "at least I'm not as bad as (insert-name-here)" they need to move on. We have enough of that in national politics. There's more at stake here than you think. That's my opinion. "
Report Abuse
steve smith wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:17 PM:
" Silverthorn: Each candidate will say they have the best interests of the city in mind: lower crime, no gangs, more places for kids to play, a budget surplus, etc. So our choices, in my opinion, should be those who can accomplish these goals in ways that unify, not divide, the city and also who will be the city's best ambassadors. Going on national TV and on the radio to tell the nation what a terrible city this is is not good public policy. We must work WITH the chamber of commerce, not against it. "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:02 PM:
" I have to admit I don't know much about Mr. Sneen yet, but my biggest concern at this point is that Geoff West endorses him. That would make me wonder if he too is soft on crime and prone to irrational outburst whenever questioned on a statement or position. I am in favor of the "current majority" but also think a counterpoint on the council is a good thing as long as it's constructive and not just obstructive. Any group unopposed is a dangerous thing. But the current majority seems to have the best interests of CM in mind. "
Report Abuse
# # #
Read and see how Smith is seemingly saying that we should lie about our crime problems in Costa Mesa, and then twists himself into a pretzel to deny that he is saying that. No wonder he backs Dancing Sneen for the City Council.* LINK
I wish I could simply say that this is the difference between the liberal mind, as represented by Smith, and the conservative mind but, unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. But, that's for another column.
Here's the thread:
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:57 PM:
" If you know information and withhold it, it's the same as lying. No twisting involved. "Artful" politicians are what got us in a lot of these situations because they didn't tell the whole truth. You keep looking at it as scaring people away while I think intelligent people understand and respect honesty. We have gangs/illegals. and if they aren't dealt with we become another SA. You believe people don't already know that? I don't want "artful" I want honest. They seldom co-mingle. You have good intentions Steve but I disagree with your definitions and concepts. Thanks for debating it Steve. "
Report Abuse
steve smith wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:46 PM:
" Silverthorn, Please avoid distorting my comments. I am not recommending, nor do I know of anyone who is purposely trying to conceal the facts about our problems. That is not what an artful leader does. Tricking people? I'm not sure where that came from either - certainly not from me. And yes, I expect people to check us out. If you want to see the scary picture of CM painted by Allan, listen to his national O'Reilly interview (Google it). I would not move here or invest here after seeing that footage. Very poor representation of this fine city. "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:49 PM:
" I agree on disagreeing in a civil manner. But the "artful" concealment of facts to present a false image of conditions to me isn't truth. It's unfortunate that so many think this type of politics is business as usual. And that you don't believe people aren't smart enough to thoroughly check out anyplace before moving their business or family is disappointing. The method of tricking people into moving here without the truth leads to a strained untrusting collection of citizens and businesses. I don't want artful speeches to make me feel better, I want strait talking problem solvers. "
Report Abuse
steve smith wrote on Sep 2, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Silverthorn: By "artful" I mean someone who has the ability to accomplish goals without alienating (too many) people. Our on-line exchanges are a good example. Here we are, two people who disagree on key issues, but we have not sunk to name-calling and our dialog has continued for quite sometime. We are still talking in a civil, respectful manner, which is more than we can say for some members of the city council. An artful person navigates both sides of issues and understands that there is more to winning than just advancing one's agenda. Hope that helps. Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:34 PM:
" Maybe you have a different term you use for concealing the truth. Sure, people do it all the time. When A car salesman tells you a car is good when he knows the transmission is bad, it's OK. It's just part of his job, just ask his boss. By the way Steve, what does, "An artful city councilperson understands how to solve the city's problems without broadcasting them nationwide", mean but hide the truth? Just wondering. I personally feel most adults would prefer to know the truth rather than have someone hold it back "for their own good". "
Report Abuse
Steve Smith wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:46 PM:
" Silverthorn, show me where I wrote that we should hide the truth and I will donate $100 to your favorite charity. I have said only that we should not be broadcasting it on national TV and the radio. Thanks - Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:04 PM:
" So you're sticking with the "let's not tell the truth because it sounds bad" philosophy. Gangs and illegal aliens (not immigrants) are a problem everywhere. The Chamber of Commerce may not want to face this because it makes it tougher but let's stop ignoring the elephant in the room. Illegals and gangs are at the root of most of the major issues we face. Politicians hiding the truth aren't "skilled" and cause more trouble than they avoid. One of RtR's faults wae their desire to look the other way on crime. Let's fix problems, not hide them from others. "
Report Abuse
Steve Smith wrote on Aug 30, 2008 10:19 PM:
" Silverthorn: An artful city councilperson understands how to solve the city's problems without broadcasting them nationwide. Giving the nation the impression that the city is overrun with gangs and illegal immigrants is not the type of publicity we need. It works against the chamber of commerce and the service organizations (Lions, Rotary), who work hard to promote what is good about Costa Mesa and who are trying to attract the investment that produces the revenue we can use to solve the very problems the Complainers are complaining about. All of these issues, you see, are connected. Thanks - Steve "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:18 PM:
" Here we go again. I don't think the quote was about how CM is a terrible city. Stating truth should be applauded. Trying to hide information is what's wrong with a lot of politicians at all levels. I respect a campaign that states facts and outlines plans to accomplish stated goals. Not vague empty promises and attacks on opponents. If the best anyone can do is say "at least I'm not as bad as (insert-name-here)" they need to move on. We have enough of that in national politics. There's more at stake here than you think. That's my opinion. "
Report Abuse
steve smith wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:17 PM:
" Silverthorn: Each candidate will say they have the best interests of the city in mind: lower crime, no gangs, more places for kids to play, a budget surplus, etc. So our choices, in my opinion, should be those who can accomplish these goals in ways that unify, not divide, the city and also who will be the city's best ambassadors. Going on national TV and on the radio to tell the nation what a terrible city this is is not good public policy. We must work WITH the chamber of commerce, not against it. "
Report Abuse
Silverthorn wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:02 PM:
" I have to admit I don't know much about Mr. Sneen yet, but my biggest concern at this point is that Geoff West endorses him. That would make me wonder if he too is soft on crime and prone to irrational outburst whenever questioned on a statement or position. I am in favor of the "current majority" but also think a counterpoint on the council is a good thing as long as it's constructive and not just obstructive. Any group unopposed is a dangerous thing. But the current majority seems to have the best interests of CM in mind. "
Report Abuse
# # #
*All political candidates will say they're tough on crime. Words are cheap. What are their actions?
For example, "tough on crime" Flopsy Katrina Foley shows her toughness on crime by refusing to send a letter to President Bush asking him to secure our borders. And, she isn't keen on having an ICE agent in our jail. And she "fixes" her neighborhood's gang problem by planting flowers in front of the Mission-Mendoza slum and by delivering a bowl of pasta to the family of a man killed in a gang shooting, and she speaks to a group of suspected illegal alien day workers and let's them know, through an interpreter, that she's on their side.
We don't consider the actions of Foley to be tough on crime. Say, did we mention that Foley is up for reelection this year?
# # #
Those are our opinions. Thanks for reading them. Don't forget to check back later. We now update throughout the day, either when news moves, or when we get irritated--which, as you've probably guessed, is often.
