Closing Manistee Speaks

[Christopher Shilts]

I started Manistee Speaks to stick it to Hearst Media after they censored me in their letter to the editor section. I intended to start a free speech rebellion that could bypass the multi-national corporations. I had hoped that if this project was successful, it would inspire others to start their own free speech communities all across the nation. To this end I spent many a cold and unpleasant hour holding the Manistee Speaks sign downtown (and on bridges), trying to get visitors. I went door to door to the businesses downtown, trying to get them to put up signs promoting this site. I told everyone I knew about it. I handed out business cards, fliers, printed up booklets. I tried to give those bastards at Hearst a run for their money.

Nothing worked. This has been, and always will be a waste of my time and energy. I found working on this site to be an exercise in frustration, and demoralization. I was far happier working on Dixie Ball, even if that game only had a handful of players.

I think the worst thing is, I have always felt like an alien in this town. I moved here with my parents when I was 9. My first week here I was attacked by the local children while riding my bicycle. They singled me out because of the orange safety flag on the back of the bike- something that was an honor to have earned in Ludington- a thing kids took pride in having. In this town it's something to mock you for. They grabbed my bike, threw stones at me, and where general bastards. That was my first of many experiences with the people of this town. After 29 years of living here I'm sick of it, and wish to god I had a way out.

Some madness seized me a number of years ago, and I thought I could have some sense of civic pride, and identity with this place. I even ran for city council. Over 500 people voted for me, and I'm grateful for that. But in my heart I don't want to be a part of Manistee. I feel trapped here.

I think one of the last straws was our town being surrounded by gay welcome signs: at the senior center (a former church), and 3 bill boards on the way's into town. Not to mention all over the downtown. I'm sick of looking at those abominations. I used to like walking downtown, now I avoid it.

In my heart I'm no longer part of Manistee, and I can't continue running a publication for a place I've come to despise. I don't hate all of you, there are some good people here. But this place overall has allot of bad memories for me, and I wish I could leave it behind. I no longer desire to be associated with it.

Due to these feelings, I'm no longer going to maintain the Manistee Speaks website. Some time this year I intend to take it down, and pursue other projects.

Thanks for understanding.