I’ve recently been posting diaries about the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design controversy in Kansas, in particular the physical assault against Professor Mirecki at the University of Kansas, and the subsequent coerced resignation of his chairmanship of the Religious Studies Department resulting from the fallout to his proposed class on intelligent design.
Today I posted a diary about a Texas law that allowed a black woman to be taken off life support by a hospital in Plano against her wishes and the wishes of her family. In both cases, I let my outrage at what occurred overshadow common sense in the way I expressed that outrage. In both cases, I used the states of Texas and Kansas as shorthand for the actual people in those states who are responsible for these outrages.
That was wrong, and I sincerely apologize to all who were offended by my diaries about these subjects, including specifically Brinnainne [edited to correct spelling error] and Katiebird.
In the future, I pledge to be more careful in how I express myself here at Booman Tribune. Being a front page diarist is still a work in progress for me. It’s becoming clear to me that I need to be more cognizant of the audience here at Booman, and more respectful of all its members, regardless of where they live, what they do, and what they believe.
I would ask that all who are upset with my diaries continue to let me know when you have a complaint. I can’t promise you that we can always come to an agreement about what you find fault with in my writing, but I promise to listen to those complaints and take them to heart.
If anyone does have any concerns, please feel free to email me, as well. My email is ssearlsatrochesterdotrrdotcom.
I would like to close with this plea: we all came to Booman Tribune because we saw in it the opportunity to form a better, less divisive community around the progressive ideals that we all share. I hope that my own failings as a diarist haven’t driven anyone away from what I still consider the best liberal group blog on the web. If they have, I ask that those of you I have offended please give me and the site another chance.
Thank you all.
Update [2005-12-15 18:44:26 by Steven D]: Just to be clear, I was not asked by Booman to write this apology. This was written on my own initiative without any prior consultation of the other front page posters.