* * Bricktown Update * *

Web site angle seemed to change

I recently came across a great Web site that covers politics in Ocean County. It was established and maintained by Richard Schiff in Toms River. It was refreshing to see what appeared to be an independent Web site taking satirical shots at politicians holding office in Ocean County.

After speaking with the editor by phone, I believed that Schiff was motivated by exposing the problems in our local government and trying to find solutions. After following his Web page for a few weeks, I began to notice a change in Schiff's online behavior. He has begun to focus on Toms River exclusively, using his artistic talent to express his distorted views via hurtful personal attacks. Now to top off one recent addition to his site, he has become the personality of "Max the Puppet." Schiff actually shows videotape of a puppet he has created who is campaigning for mayor of Dover Township.

It's great  to live in America where a person can publish a Web site with whatever they desire. The lesson learned from knowing Schiff is that you can't judge a book by its cover. When a person looks sane, give them a chance to speak and express themselves further. If they start making up imaginary friends and videotape themselves playing with puppets it's time to change your first impression.

JOHN BARRETT
Brick

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