Another perspective:
I do want to thank the student and teacher from Forest Lake for commenting. I am going to concede that Mr. Massey is probably not a professional spokesperson, but is an educator. I understand how hard it is to have media show up and start trying to portray the area you love in a lesser light. I also understand the potential threat a situation like this poses to the reputation of a community.
NOTE: If you are a public official you need to read up and be prepared for a media situation like this because it will get out of hand quickly and come out of nowhere.
My dismay after reading the StarTribune article was with two words he used referring to our veterans--They were “Political” and not “Educational” because protesters were threatening to protest. I had hoped yesterday on the evening news Mr. Massey would have come out and said: “I blew it, it was a poor choice of words, and I am sorry." He could have said: "We had a concern for public safety, .......etc.” Mr. Massey did not from the interviews I read. If he did please forward it and I will gladly help in setting the record straight.
I remain confident that while the Forest Lake name is used, the public is smart enough to not lump everyone together. I think if Mr. Massey would come out and restate what he meant all of this would blow over. We have a volunteer army and the passions on both sides are very high. Extra care needs to be given when canceling such an event especially when one of the presenters is an alumni from the school.
