The inclusion of two
surveys in this newsletter reminds of the many unsolicited surveys we have been
receiving in the mail at home lately. Surely, it has something to do with the
upcoming elections. If you have noticed (we are sure you are getting the same ones),
they are of a political nature, dealing with issues facing the nation today,
and usually sponsored by a political organization of some kind.
Typically, they come from a state or congressional
representative, a political party, a religious group, freedom foundation, etc.
And, at the bottom of these surveys is always a request for a contribution.
Just today, as an example, we received in our name, a survey from the
League of Women Voters, and we're not even a female voter. They all tend to
cover the same hot national issues: the war in Iraq, terrorism, environment,
congressional spending, privacy protection, abortion, gay marriage,
immigration, education, religious freedom, gun control, etc.
Now the general advice we've heard is to use
these surveys as opportunities to voice your opinion, even if you refuse to
contribute to their cause monetarily. Perhaps, when they see you did not
make a gift, they toss your response, but there's a chance they'll use the
data anyway. So instead of treating these letters as more junk mail,
we've been answering their questions and sending them back,
even at the cost of a stamp.
This brings us to editorials, whether read in
the daily newspaper, heard on the radio or TV, or in a newsletter like this
one. What bearing do these have on surveys? The difference here is we are
reading or hearing, generally, one person's opinion.
|
Sometimes we hear
what we like and say "right on", other times we don't agree and want to
express a differing opinion. Editorials are presented to educate, to get us to
thinking, to stir some reaction and, hopefully, stir a response of some kind.
There is one forum to do that, called
"letters to the editor." It takes more work than responding to a prepared
survey put before us. None the less, it is a way you the reader or listener
can express your opinion, raise questions, or give constructive criticism.
Now to our complaint, particularly in regards
to this newsletter, the Weaver. It can be discouraging to write a Pastors
Page or an Editorial Page and not hear any feedback. In the past we have
encouraged readers to send us comments, good or bad.
One explanation could be the fact that a
church newsletter is addressed to a congregation, who in many respects is
like a family. Like a family, particularly in small congregations,
there is the tendency to not want to hurt someone's feelings,
rock the boat or be outspoken.
We, at FBC, are a diverse people, with
differing ideas, yet having a history of being accepting and inclusive.
So when we seek feedback, give it to us! It will help to make this
newsletter better, encourage those who put it together, as we strive
to make it what it's name indicates,
"the Weaver.. ..of fabric that binds us together."
--Harold
|
