It is with great sadness that I read yesterday that Blogger Tim Thomas announced he would no longer be publishing articles on “The Q at Parkside” after community activist Alicia Boyd of Movement to Protect the People (MTOPP) and fellow activists said they would protest outside the Manhattan nonprofit where he works.
To be sure, Thomas was and probably remains highly critical of KCP, but he was an excellent, witty writer, whose way with words I’ve always admired. More importantly, I enjoyed his ability to give me a different perspective on highly charged issues.
In so far as Boyd and her Movement to Protect the People (MTOPP), we were on the same side regarding the recent highly contentious and emotional primary election in our support for outgoing state Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) against incoming Senator-elect Zellnor Myrie.
On this point, the election is now over and we congratulate Senator-elect Myrie and wish him nothing but the best in representing constituents in the 20th senatorial district. Myrie had the support of many honorable lawmakers and his leadership team is first-rate. We look forward to covering his initiatives.
To be sure, everyone has a right to dislike and disagree with whoever and whomever they like, insofar that they remain non-threatening actors in one’s personal life. Boyd and her organization were able to bully one of the few good political commentators left with their mob mentality. Boyd would be well advised to know that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
This has nothing to do with race, gender, class, age or all of the above. It has to do with human decency. Everybody has the right to say their piece. And if you don’t agree with that than KCP has a problem with you and your organization.
Even here at KCP, we take on harsh critics in the form of pseudonymous people who spew hateful and vicious speech. As the Publisher of a news website, the comments hurt but I allow them a platform because of the strong belief I have in letting people have their say.
Nonetheless, Tim Thomas is no coward. He put forth his views and signed his name to them. He created great discourse for Prospect Lefferts Gardens and he will be sorely missed. We welcome him to submit op-ed work to KCP and we will gladly post it.
Either way, as a brother in words, all the best to you Tim, and keep on writing!
