On January 2, 2009 I posted a story about Oklahoma City gangs but I have removed this post this morning.  The post was quickly degenerating into a hostile fight for and against Mexicans.  I want to go on record that I do not want to use this blog as a tool to bash a group of people regardless of who they are.  I do have my opinions but I will not use this blog as a venue for attacking a group.

Since this blog bears my name, I do not think it is wise to engage in this type of discussion on here.  At first it was entertaining but quickly became an avenue for hostility.  For those of you that posted on here, please understand that I am not trying to engage in censorship but rather just ending a discussion that has drifted off course.

I was being accused of being racist against Mexicans and those who really know me would realize just how ironic that is.  My childhood was surrounded by Mexicans because my mom was born and raised in Southern New Mexico and although I pointed this out several times, the message seemed not to get across.  The point of the original message was to highlight increasing graffiti appearing around the city.  The original post just happened to involve a particular group that was tagging public property and happen to be a Mexican gang.  I welcome anyone to our community as long as they can obey the laws and not destroy other’s property.

For me to sit idle and not confront the increasing hostility on a blog that carries my name would be tantamount to an endorsement. Please understand that it is not only not responsible but also not safe for anyone including myself to allow that hostility to be on a blog that carries my name.  I am very proud of my community and would like it to continue to prosper.  For some of you this may seem like I am being hypocritical for sounding so politically correct when I have been so vocal against political correctness. 

Again, if you look at the situation objectively you will likely see that it is not right or safe to use my personal blog as a tool to bash a group of people.  Especially when I do not agree with it in the first place.  I am slowly understanding what it feels like to be a political figure where you have to walk a fine line that seems like you are not taking a stand.  Well in my opinion, I am taking a stand by removing that post because it has reached a certain hostility level that is not wise to allow to continue.

Our community has similar problems that other communities have and certainly need to be addressed.  I am not sure how engaging in bashing a group of people can solve any of these issues.  I hope everyone understands why I removed the post and not take it personally.  This is not censorship but rather an attempt at being responsible.