Since moving to Manzanita four years ago, I have heard my junior high English and Journalism teacher’s voice in my head more often than I have since the early 70s. Libby Dunne was one of those teachers who left a lasting impression. She was passionate about teaching her students how to be intelligent consumers of information, how to recognize author bias and persuasion, and how to separate fact from fiction. She taught the difference between informative writing backed by references so the reader can read for themselves where the author had found specific information and entertainment style journalism which leans into hyperbole and opinion, in which the author tells the readers he/she is an expert without any support for that claim. (think Wall Street Journal vs National Enquirer)
Why has Libby Dunne made a sudden reappearance in my head? I was dismayed to read several posts or articles on Facebook or in local newspapers in 2020 that indicated there was a split in feelings towards the Manzanita City Council. The passion about our town was apparent. A sense of community or “team spirit” was not. Manzanita seemed to reflect our national political climate – divided. I did what Libby Dunne would have suggested. I began to run down the facts.
I discovered that there were several apparently disgruntled individuals who felt strongly about how business was being conducted in our town. I learned that one contentious issue was the (at that time) potential city hall. I relearned how unhappy people become when they feel that they are not heard or their opinion disregarded. But mostly I learned, hurt feelings aside, that the system worked as it should. When a fancy and expensive city hall was put forth, the town as a whole said, “No!” When people were unfairly targeted publicly, others came to their defense. When being a city councilor became too odious of a task due to personal attacks or incessant, repetitive meetings, people resigned and were replaced according to the rules. A new, more modest City Hall was planned.
I am grateful for Libby Dunne and all the other great teachers who followed her. I wish all people had that sort of experience in learning to read critically, which means reading with questions about the text and with an eye towards facts or bias, not simply being a critic. I wish all people would find the facts instead of simply swallowing whatever is put into print.
This is a beautiful town. I believe that all the residents here want this town to be the best possible place to live, and that is why passions are so clearly visible. In honor of Libby Dunne, I ask people to read the background information, read the city ordinances, take those steps to be truly informed and not merely indoctrinated. I don’t want any of the passion to be muffled. I do want facts and complete truths to be the currency exchanged in writing.