Don't picket... picnic!
When I heard that there might be picket signs in the works here in Takoma Park, I naturally became excited and began rummaging through my closet for my marching boots. I love a good demo. But then I found out that I might not need to do much walking, since the picketers would be right outside my door.
Apparently the combined Takoma Park, Silver Spring banner on the cover of the January Voice has stirred up some controversy concerning the Takoma-obliterating schemes of a certain publisher.
Maybe it would help if I provided a more basic and human explanation.
After an exhausting year, I made the decision to combine the January issues so that I could spend some time with my family over the holidays. It was not meant as a precedent—though, having gotten a taste for the leisure lifestyle (8 hours of sleep!), I am now considering making this a January tradition.
In any case, I took the last week of December off, and decided that a combined issue was more feasible from a physical, emotional, and financial point of view.
I appreciate knowing that community members care about our continuation of a Takoma-centric journal. We have not stepped away from that commitment in the least. In fact, the introduction of the Silver Spring Voice five years ago has provided a financial hedge to help us keep that commitment.
We are continuing to explore the commonalities and differences between the two communities. But Takoma Park and Silver Spring are not Springfield and Shelbyville, Romulus and Remus, Paris and Nicole—two rivals in constant opposition. Why not love 'em both?
We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Takoma Voice and the 5th anniversary of the Silver Spring Voice. I live in Takoma Park and look forward to at least another 20 years of the Takoma Voice. I was born in Silver Spring and love publishing a paper for that community as well. I call both home.
Unlike the Gazette we are not owned by the Washington Post, and do not operate from a central office far from the communities we serve. Whether it is the Takoma Voice or the Silver Spring Voice, we are here. Literally. Under the Post Office (in case picketers are wondering).
If anyone is successful in organizing a picket line, could she be kind enough to make a few signs demanding better wages, shorter hours, and more benefits for everyone working at the Voice. I will gladly join her in holding those signs high.
Upon reflection, instead of picket signs, please bring picnic sides. It would help defray the considerable costs of keeping a community-based newspaper going and would provide sustenance for my underpaid staff.