About the rezone proposal, tonight's deliberations, and some recent interactions on OlyBlog:

I have recently been labeled and accused of such things as zealotry, fanaticism, extremism, and being unwilling to compromise (by people who post on OlyBlog.) This is a response. And let me tell you - I strongly object to being labeled with those terms. But if I am a zealot because I care about the environment, then that is OK with me. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way.

What is extreme? I mean seriously. Recently, someone accused me of having "left-wing extremist" views. So what are they? What views of mine are extreme?

Is it extreme to want peace and justice? Is it extreme to ask people to be nice to each other, and that people use respectful dialogue to resolve disputes? Is it extreme to advocate for nonviolence?

Is it extreme to ask that people receive fair treatment? Is it extreme to oppose power politics of global corporate domination (at gunpoint)?

Seriously - all I want is a world where people and planet (and animals and plants, rocks and oceans, etc.) are respected and protected for the benefit of future generations. I want a world where people choose love over fear - trust over hostility. I want a world where people look each other in the eye because they enjoy community.

Is that extreme? Is it extreme to ask that public officials serve the public interest? Is it extreme to ask that public officials be held accountable to the rule of law?

Is it extreme to expect that public officials will behave in a manner that is honest, that they will respect the rule of law, and that they will tell us the truth - and also that they will not use their position in public office to serve special and private interests?

Is that extreme? You tell me.

What do you consider to be extreme?