Coffee Talk: Crusty Talk!

Hi, c'mon in! Long time no see.

"Yes, it's been a while. How're you doing? Nice-looking breads!"

Not too bad for an old bag -- or an old baker! I've been making bread since I was about 14. Sometimes I think I'm getting the hang of it! You been following events?

"Well, a bit. I did see that new website*. Looks like they're getting with the program!"

You really think so? I'm not so sure. They are putting out a bit more publicity; it's just not that much information. There's a difference between appearance and substance.

"What do you mean?"

Well, they're getting out info about the meetings -- that is, information that the meetings are occurring.

But here's what we don't know: What's the charge of each of the committees? What's the membership of each? Where are the agendas so we have a better idea of what they're talking about? Where are the minutes, so we know what actually happened at those meetings? It's not that they'd necessarily get much more participation in the meetings, but they would build some confidence through making the building process more transparent.

"Wouldn't that be a lot of work -- you know to create minutes and agendas and membership lists?"

Do you seriously think they're working without those things? Not likely. If they are, then they're basically working without anything written down! If that were the case, then, you'd have to consider that the process isn't very well organized.

No, I think they've got that info. They either don't think of making it available or they really don't want it available. Myself, I think the membership lists especially would be fascinating.

"You really are getting a bit cynical, y'know."

Think so? Well, call it what you will! We can't always see a bright meadow everywhere we look. Sometimes what you call cynicism -- with a little edge in your tone of voice, as though it were a terrible thing -- is just realism based on experience!

*www.newschoolproject.info/