DIETER DUDY -- It's All About Respect -- or conversely -- Feel Free to Disagree ... But Do It With Dignity

I will freely admit that at times I have a hard time restraining myself, when it comes to the choice of words I use when writing a post.  In fact, many time it will take several rewrites to tone things down.  I like to think it's because I am passionate about what I believe -- and that of course I am right -- ie: my opinion is the correct one :)

Well the truth is, I'm not always right, and so care in the way I should handle things is important (but not always followed 100% of the time). 

That's why yesterday (March 16th), I was delighted to see a short post by Dieter Dudy.  I asked permission to share it here with you, and so here it is:

We all have our own opinions regarding many, many issues that we encounter on a daily basis. These opinions are often at odds with others and yet we have the right to communicate them passionately and with conviction. What we should never do however is make it personal by denigrating the other individual or group's opinion. It diminishes what we have to say as well as how we are seen by others.

I do not always agree with the points of view expressed by my colleagues, or those in my community, but respect their right to not only have them, but to be able to express them.

We have many avenues available to us to let people know how we feel on issues; letters to the editor, on-line comments, public gatherings, social media etc. We may come under fire for our opinions as people counter with opposing points of view.

All healthy...as long as one element is a constant. Respect!

Always treat those holding a contra-view with the respect that you would expect them to accord you. No good ever comes from slagging people or their opinions...nothing ever gets solved in the mire.

Feel free to disagree...but do it with dignity.

DIETER DUDY:

Dieter was born in Germany and raised in Kitimat.  He met his wife Deb Kellogg, who grew up in Kamloops, in Victoria and has been married for 34+ years. They have two adult children.  His passion for sustainability led him to purchase and develop a 10 acre property where he and Deb have successfully established an organic vegetable farm and business.

Dieter has had many roles in local area farmers’ markets, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, the Certified Organic Association of BC, as well as the local certifying body, the Kamloops Voter’s Society and was one of the original members of the steering committee that founded Gardengate (a therapeutic centre for individuals with mental health issues), and with others helped to develope the Kamloops Agricultural Plan.

Dieter is currently a Director with Farm2Chef and continues to be passionate about food security, economic diversity and fiscal responsibility.

And if that wasn't already enough to keep him busy, Dieter is also a Councillor with the City of Kamloops (elected November 2014).