Public comments were heard in rotation from each site — but heard only. There was an audio connection but no video. Students couldn’t see most of the people they were addressing — indeed, had no way of knowing if anyone outside the immediate room was seriously listening to them and not rolling their eyes, checking email or whispering among themselves. It was a recipe for frustration, and predictably, it all boiled over. Angry students shut down the meeting. In the attempt to calm things, the regents had managed to increase the tensions. After a break, it got worse. At three of the venues, the session was moved to smaller rooms. At UCSF, there was little room for the public beyond the press. We cannot recall another state agency holding a public meeting by teleconference… Perhaps we’re old-fashioned, but we still believe that in adversarial situations, it’s important to be able to look people in the eye when talking with or listening to them. It shows respect and fosters better communication. And at a public meeting, all members of the public should be able to not only listen to board members but also see them. All of them.

Read full article [here].
by Mercury News Editorial, The San Jose Mercury News.

Posted: November 28th, 2011, by: admin. Categories: . Awaiting Comments.