I found this interesting bit of wisdom to share. It could be usefully applied to many conversations and interactions on OlyBlog. Here's the transcription:

Rules For the Control of The Tongue

(Every religion, system of philosophy or code of ethics includes advice on curbing the rash activities of the tongue–which is referred to in the Christian Bible as "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Here are some of the rules which the Jain Shastras give for guidance in governing this obstreperous trouble-maker.)

1. Avoid lying; speak only words which are truthful and sincere.

2. Avoid exaggeration; speak in simplicity and truth.

3. Avoid deception; do not deceive either by work, look, or gesture.

4. Avoid evil-speaking; practice good will.

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2008
Contact: Janine Gates, President, SPEECH, 360-791-7736

Community Forum, "Envision Downtown Olympia"

A public forum on Downtown Olympia's future will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE.

The forum, "Envision Downtown Olympia," is sponsored by the non-profit organization South Puget Environmental Education Clearinghouse (SPEECH) with support from the Community Sustaining Fund. The public is invited to envision different perspectives on what we, as a community, want for downtown Olympia. The forum will also address the Urban Waterfront Rezone proposal submitted to the city by Triway Enterprises.

Forum speakers include Rich Hoey, Water Resources Director at City of Olympia Public Works, who will give a presentation on predicted sea-level rise in downtown Olympia; Barbara Gooding, former director of the Washington State Department of Community Development and former City of Olympia planning commissioner, who will offer a brief history of Olympia's current downtown zoning issues; Steve Cooper, downtown property owner; and Bob Jacobs, former mayor of Olympia and member of Friends of the Waterfront. Eve Johnson, former president of the League of Women Voters, will be the moderator.

Audience members will actively participate in the visioning and discussion.

SPEECH can be reached at (360) 528-9158, speech.greenpages@gmail.com or www.oly-wa.us/greenpages.