“The cruelest lies are often told in silence.”

When I read this man's letter in the Times-Standard newspaper posted June 4, 2011:  Leaving Humboldt in the rearview mirror, these words he quotes caught my attention. He followed with an explanation, perhaps too kind are these words

I am speaking, of course, about the conspiracy of silent bigotry and racism that pervades most all aspects of living and working with those in this region. While many in the area profess an advanced celebration of diversity, the truth is far from that ideal.

Just look at the local blogs and blog commentators including the local opinionators. Unless you support the local status quo and march in lockstep with their brainwashed propaganda you face these same exact conditions this man identifies.

Here's the complete letter to the Times-Standard:

Leaving Humboldt in the rearview mirrorErick Swenson/For the Times-Standard
Posted: 06/04/2011 07:43:57 AM PDT

There's an old maxim that has served me well in more than 45 years, “If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all.” However, as a former, shorter-term Humboldt County resident, I'm compelled to break that rule and borrow words from the late statesman Adlai Stevenson: “The cruelest lies are often told in silence.” I am speaking, of course, about the conspiracy of silent bigotry and racism that pervades most all aspects of living and working with those in this region. While many in the area profess an advanced celebration of diversity, the truth is far from that ideal. Perhaps the desire to “co-exist” is found only on the ubiquitous bumper stickers holding together the fuel-efficient yet broken down automobiles

After a tenure of 18 or so months, I am left perplexed by this dichotomy and wonder if the area's isolation has narrowed people's minds to newer and advanced ideas and practices. It can't just be that a small region makes for small minds; but that's certainly the lesson learned in Humboldt County. And this isn't just a matter of “hippies and rednecks,” as others in more urban areas have tried to convince me. The pettiness runs deep and is endemic in the highest echelons of the area's supposed professionals and seeming academics.

Thankfully, our household's tenure on the “Lost Coast” was a short duration. And, when compared, to other stints -- ranging from metropolitan areas in the eastern and western United States, suburban Northern California and even in the state's rural Central Valley (not often seen as a bastion of liberalism) -- we were happy to run, not just walk, to the nearest exit. The best view of Humboldt County is from the rear-view mirror. Sure, it's a pretty place. The trees and the coastline are lovely. It's a pity, however, that the people living there reflect that natural beauty of the area neither in their thoughts nor deeds.

Erick Swenson, a former Humboldt County residents, now resides in Oakland.

Yeah! It's all about the people. A quick look at local blogs will give a fairly good picture of local people and what they're good for. Don't know where he thinks he going where it will be any better than here.

P.S. I think he got Adlai Stevenson mixed up with Robert Lewis Stevenson.

--Joe