In response to blogs and comments made on www.observertoday.com, regarding the incident surrounding the hot dog stand at the Fredonia Farmers' Market, I would like to share an opinion.
In any endeavor, there are likely to be differences of opinion, often based on certain circumstances, sometimes circumstances that are unknown to the general public. In situations which often occur, even though it would be ideal, a perfect situation is difficult to create. Because of this, one would advise those spectators who are not a part of a situation to reserve negative opinions being aired in public until all facts are available.
Often our emotions and passion, our judgments are affected by less than rational and logical facts. There is usually more than one factor in any incident.
For those who are not completely informed, to wield negative opinions as one would wield a sword is unproductive, not only to parties involved, but to the community as a whole. I suggest that any one of us before airing our public opinions, especially those that are negative, contact the persons involved and speak with them face to face or phone to phone seek answers to your questions and remain logically open minded.
Indeed, when there is an injustice, each of us should raise the flag, but we must be sure that there is an injustice and then raise the white flag of peace through mediation and correction in order to strengthen the bonds within our community, rather than ignite the fires of dissension.
Please do not respond to this on social media anonymously. If you would like to discuss this with me, a phone call will be returned and I will speak directly to the issue.
The Rev. Helen Sam is a Dunkirk resident.
