After three years, I say farewell to you readers

By Judy Ducayne

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 9:31 AM EST

Well, it's been three years that I have worked for The Citizen as its Tuesday conservative opinion columnist.
The whole point of being an opinion writer is to have one. Week after week, I do my job. I have always stood by what I write, and my name and picture are there for everyone to see.

I have always taken full responsibility for what I say. That's what freedom of speech is all about - being accountable for your own actions or words.

Sections of this paper were put into place so people could vent about local politics or current events without being targeted by their employers or neighbors. It was not meant to be a place where the writer then becomes a cyber-stalker and starts harassing and threatening others under assumed names. This could ultimately lead to more serious attacks.

Cyber-stalkers don't stand behind their words. Instead they hide behind their computer screens. I have spoken to many public figures and civilians about their own concerns and it appears that an overwhelming majority agree that somebody needs to stop these predators.

Commenting about a public figure's job performance is fine, but stay with the job issues. Even sharp criticism is acceptable, but not when you attack someone's children, physical appearance or personal life in general.

I personally have witnessed many instances of unacceptable slander by these anonymous cyber-bullies. Some public officials have decided not to run for office because of the juvenile, spineless, “get even” comments that have been allowed on the Internet.

In my own case, an obsessed reader has specifically targeted my family.

Due to this kind of erratic and dangerous behavior, I have made a decision to leave The Citizen so I can protect my family from cowards who hide behind screen names

This will allow me to pursue more important projects. I intend to use my particular case to pursue legislative action against this growing Internet problem by working with lawmakers, law enforcement officials and politicians.

The goal will be to end this kind of abuse of public figures and private citizens, including children.

I want to thank The Citizen for allowing me the opportunity to have an input into our community.

I also want to thank all of you who have read my column these past three years and those who have responded with your comments and suggestions.

I have always had the utmost respect for those who have attached their names to their comments, whether they have agreed or disagreed with what I have written.

Ducayne can be reached at sacredheart6005@hotmail.com

The Citizens' Say

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There are 63 comment(s)

karl L wrote on Dec 21, 2007 1:03 AM:

" Ok, I just listened to the "Snoopy vs the Red Baron" song one more time, and the part where the Red Baron says "Merry Christmas, mein friend!" just about made me choke up, so I will say Judy; good luck, I hope your family will never face the baseless hatred of the type you've sown, I hope you will expand your mind and resolve to improve your outlook on ALL Humanity not for what you think your God tells you, but based upon some actual interaction. Go have coffee with the Wiccans. Invite a gay couple to dinner. Realize that people living NOW matter as much as fetuses. And call me, seriously, if you need guitar lessons...great rates......guaranteed results.....kumbaya and all that...DD, you're right...I'm sad Judy's going! Ok now---Buxus sempervirens Suffruiticosa; now there's a real Liberal shrub for ya! LOL! "

AJ wrote on Dec 20, 2007 10:11 PM:

" Yikes, good line for Foxworthy indeed! I never really read more than a few of Judy's columns, and I really don't get why anyone would be interested in reading the parochial nonsense she wrote. That said, I agree with Ben that she has been threatened is reprehensible, and I hope they catch the person responsible and hope Judy and her family stay safe. Karl, are you still standing? hehehe. Bring me a shrubbery! NI!! LOL "

owascoman wrote on Dec 20, 2007 6:04 PM:

" DD, You don't seem to get it do you? I think I speak for Karl as well as myself when I say that I can have an intelligent conversation with someone who has the opposite view point as I do. Where I have the problem is when pure bigotry and hatred are spewed to make her point. She did that with the Gays and she did that with the Wiccans. If she had stated her point logically I would have agreed with you that she has the right to her opinion and the right to express it. And because Karl and I are glad to see her go, does not mean that the conservative view point cannot be expressed here in a column. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE NOW? "

RWT wrote on Dec 20, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Karl, you seem to be a very bitter person! "

DD wrote on Dec 20, 2007 3:33 PM:

" Judy was entitled to her opinion. That was the point of her column. For someone to threaten her or her family goes beyond reason. I agreed with very little she wrote, but she brought up some good points to ponder if you subscribed to her point of view, just like any other good writer. For every Ying, you need a Yang, and she was a big Yang for some of you Yings. Now, Karl, why would you want someone writing about everthing you agree with? That would take the fun out of this. "

karl L wrote on Dec 20, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Ha HA Dave R--LOL! Point taken! :) "

Dave R Ithaca, NY wrote on Dec 20, 2007 10:27 AM:

" karl l, Obama of course! Is there any other real choice on the Democratic side? "

karl L wrote on Dec 19, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Dave, you can join us too! We can discuss politics--BTW, which way are you leaning this election--Hillary or Obama? "

Dave R Ithaca, NY wrote on Dec 19, 2007 11:27 AM:

" Stay in Auburn, we are currently overrun with ultra left wingers in Ithaca. "

karl L wrote on Dec 18, 2007 12:28 PM:

" Uh oh....is this post going to serve as Judy's journalistic epitaph? "

karl L wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:54 PM:

" OOOOOH! I'm soooo excited! Who's the new punching bag gonna be? LOL! "

owascoman wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:50 PM:

" Yeah, Unknown can listen to Vicodan Limbaugh! "

karl L wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:10 PM:

" Yeah, Owascoman, we could listen to "Air America" cassettes on the way down! LOL! "

owascoman wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:22 PM:

" Hey Karl, I think UNKNOWN is jeolous. Should we invite her to Ithaca with us? I know a great Thai Restaurant on the Commons. "

karl L wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:56 PM:

" ITHACA OR BUST!!!!! "

Unknown... wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Oh brother.....hey Karl, maybe you could get him to wax your car, just before you guys leave for Ithaca!!!! "

karl L wrote on Dec 17, 2007 2:18 PM:

" owascoman; "I guess it takes an education to have an open mind."---truer words were never spoken, my friend, truer words were never spoken! I think some of the poster here have proven that beyond a doubt! "

owascoman wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Karl, I used to live in South Florida. About every other car down there had a Jesus fish on the back bumper. It is the home of tele-vangilists like the late Rev. Kennedy who used to preach his hate about the gay community in Fort Lauderdale. When I moved up here I thought I was moving to a liberal state. It seems that Auburn is not particularly liberal. The nearest liberal outpost is Ithaca. I guess it takes an education to have an open mind. It will be interesting to see who replaces the Munchkins' nemesis! "

karl L wrote on Dec 16, 2007 8:08 PM:

" BTW, Owascoman--when I said you were "SOOOO RIGHT", I didn't mean that as an insult! LOL!! "

karl L wrote on Dec 16, 2007 8:07 PM:

" owascoman, a pleasure to hear from a fellow "degenerate", as jrmorgansr would call us! LOL! Thank you for your kind words and accurate wit in your post! You're SOOOO RIGHT!! "

owascoman wrote on Dec 16, 2007 5:04 PM:

" Karl, I am as liberal as liberal can get. I hate the conservative, republican and religous agenda with a passion. You can not reason with these people at all. Any way, I am sure I will get some hateful responces to that one. Here is something for the conservatives out there to ponder. Tell me if this is not true. A CONSERVATIVE WILL TRY TO PREVENT SOMEONE FROM DOING SOMETHING THAT THEY THEMSELVES WOULD NOT DO. A LIBERAL WILL DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO DO SOMETHING THAT HE WOULD NEVER DO. For example, I as a liberal would not have an abortion if I were female unless raped by a close relative or something like that. But I defend a woman's right to choose. If a gay person wants to get married it does not affect my life in anyway. If Huckabee or Romney become president I would consider seriously leaving this country and moving to Canada where God does not rule from the Whitehouse. That is such a scarry thought!!!! "

karl L wrote on Dec 16, 2007 2:20 PM:

" Merry Christmas to you to, hillbilly, and a Happy New Year--I'm not offended at all. In fact I'm busy putting up my "Christmas" tree today while it snows, and feeling real "Christmassy"--but I'm sure we'll lob some literary snowballs at each other here before next Tuesday! LOL! "

hillbilly wrote on Dec 16, 2007 1:20 PM:

" Thanks Karl, I appreciate your last post. And after reading other post I know where you're coming from. I may not always agree with your statements or opinions but, I do respect your right to have them. I consider myself more central with a right side lean. Don't be surprised if I should agree with you on some issues. But, I also agree with the "Golden Rule" to treat others as you wish others to treat you. Merry Christmas Karl (hope this did not insult you) and Happy New Year "

karl L wrote on Dec 16, 2007 11:33 AM:

" hillbilly, sometimes the only way to counter hate IS hate. For too long, the wimpy "Liberal" left has been clubbed over the head by the impolite, bullying tactics and methods of the Right, who long ago figured out the "weak spot" in the Left's repertoire, ie, their "lofty" position of "let's not sink to the level of what we consider to be beneath us"--unfortunately, all that led to was a predominance of loud, angry Right Wing voices motivating people with visceral commentary. I am simply putting things in the vernacular only which people like Judy seem to employ and understand. I have actually concurred with Judy and complimented her on several posts, most recently the one about the serial murderer movie in Elbridge. But I WILL respond to baseless prejudice and ignorant religious-based bigotry, homophobia, etc, with the same baring-of-teeth as my ideological opponents. Understandably, this sometimes draws the same criticism from the other side, and charges of a "double standard; believe me when I tell you that the irony is not lost on me, but I can live with it. Unapologetically. BTW, if you were at the last public meeting at the just before the dissolution of the "Social Justice Task Force, you would know exactly what I mean about the rhetorical dynamics of the Left vs the Right--it was sad, really! There--see? No hate! Have a nice weekend, don't hurt your back shoveling! ;) "

hillbilly wrote on Dec 16, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Karl, Unknown is right you always use the double standard. And since I don't agree with you I'm just and idiot or a bigot or something else. Your posts are full of hate and you like it that way. But, you were wrong. I would say you had to think at least once or twice while responding to these posts. And if you didn't than what is that saying about you. So have a nice day Karl, see no hate. "

karl L wrote on Dec 16, 2007 1:27 AM:

" "Unknown", now really--is THAT all you've got? My 5-year old nephew could come up with better jibes than that! "

coach7811 wrote on Dec 15, 2007 10:48 PM:

" LOLOLOL Go UNKNOWN "

Unknown... wrote on Dec 15, 2007 9:02 PM:

" ...but since they are your followers, and they always agree with you, then they are ok, right?? Hmmmm.....is this a double standard?? "

Unknown... wrote on Dec 15, 2007 8:53 PM:

" Oh really?? Than how come your wannabe followers never post their names either?? I would think they would be proud to, since you do!! "

coach7811 wrote on Dec 15, 2007 5:05 PM:

" LOLOLOL Go UNKNOWN "

karl L wrote on Dec 15, 2007 1:44 PM:

" unknown, if you had the guts to post your own name, I would take your comment a little more seriously, but I really can't even consider it with ant seriousness at all; my posts are a REACTION to hatred and intolerance, NOT spawned by them. Swallow that. "

Unknown... wrote on Dec 15, 2007 8:45 AM:

" Karl, what gives you the right to assume anything?? All anybody has to do is read the crap you write, and it's obvious that when someone writes something you dont like or agree with, you're all over that keyboard with insults and ridicule for them. You are the one that spews hatred on this page. "

Ben wrote on Dec 14, 2007 9:41 PM:

" and herring, Karl, don't forget the herring! "

karl L wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:15 PM:

" We shall fight about....(trumpets!)...SHRUBBERY!! LOL! "

eliza wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:50 PM:

" What will all you people write about when Judy is gone...I am sure you can fight about the weather or the crows... "

karl L wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:48 AM:

" No doubt from you, Dave R? Stop hating, and get a job. "

karl L wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Thanks owascoman, I appreciate the support. Just last Sunday I was walking through the craft fair up at CCC and another person stopped me and thanked me for my letters--it happens every few months, and is nice to know that there are people who appreciate me speaking up when I take so much abuse from others of Judy's ilk on this site. :) "

Dave R Ithaca, NY wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:41 AM:

" karl l, You are so opinionated and long winded that maybe you should take her place writing a column. I am sure your first threat would come in a lot less than 3 years. Get some help mister. "

Oa wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:38 AM:

" Oh, bull! If there really was a cyberstalker, the cops could find out his IP address and arrest him. I think Judy only wants to proclaim herself a martyr and reap in the sympathy. Good riddance to Judy. "

owascoman wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:31 PM:

" Karl, I am with you 100%. Don't listen to those that put you down. Judy is a very hateful, intolerant person. I stopped my subscription to the Citzen last year just because the paper allowed Judy to spew her hate. If only she said that the paper got rid of her, instead of her leaving I would subscribe to the Citizen again. Judy, I say good riddance to you!! "

Tom wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:47 PM:

" While I frequently disagree with Judy's religious views, stifling her right to air those views is a reprehensible act of cowardice. Taking pleasure in it is just plainly disgusting. Judy, I wish you and your family all the best and with respect, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! "

karl L wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:29 PM:

" Dave R, you've obviously come in at the end of the conversation here with regards to Judy's column and quite seriously haven't a clue...either that or you're a bigot too. I'm like water, you're like glue, it skips off me and sticks to you. "

Dave R Ithaca, NY wrote on Dec 12, 2007 1:45 PM:

" Judy, Good luck with all of your future endeavors. Karl Logan you need some help. "

karl L wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:20 AM:

" "Unknown"...sooooo, I'm assuming that you're a bigot too? Agreeing with my point of view's got nothing to do with it. I'm completely open to different points of view. I am not however, patient with people who hate out of ignorance, and who are given the information with which to realize their error, and still go on spewing hatred and bigotry. Words have power,and a person in Judy's position has considerable power to influence the naive and the young who may not be wise to the world yet. That caries a certain amount of responsibility, which Judy all but ignored. She was not so much a columnist as a Right-Wing, religious propagandist. Ever hear of Dr Goebbels? "

Unknown... wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:22 AM:

" You gotta feel sorry for Karl...all he wants is someone that will agree with HIS point of view. Hey Karl, why don't you apply the opening, so we can take shots at you everyday!!! "

danjenzarp wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:46 AM:

" To threaten children is unforgivable. Karma has a way of geting back at you , the ones that threatened the kids will be punished, and Judy is removed from spewing hate in the name of god. ( not capitalized because God doenst want to be asociated with hate in his name) I hope that when they get a replacement, its someone educated and non predjudiced. Someone who will actually research things before they write, and someone who thinks before they write. I hope no ills befalls her family, as it wasnt their choice to be dragged into their mother's business , I hope that whomever threatened them ( if it happened, ) is caught.( im sure it will be blamed on the Wiccans if Judy has her way....) bright blessings, and may the God and Goddess keep your family well and safe. Jen in Rochester )0( "

Sensible wrote on Dec 11, 2007 8:21 PM:

" Although I disagreed with Judy's columns 99.999% of the time and found the writing to be of poor quality, I find the fact that her family has been threated to be reprehensible. "

karl L wrote on Dec 11, 2007 7:14 PM:

" I must've missed that post where Judy "spoke of love and understanding" as jlmorgansr wrote--jer, are you sure you're not thinking of one of my REBUTTALS to Judy's hatered and bigotry? Oh sorry--I forgot; your kind stick together. Mayharuka, boy who's filled with haye now? I have spoken against Judy's blatant, fundamentalist-twinged bigotry and hatred numerous times, speaking in favor of love and tolerance. Too bad you missed those! How you would mistake that for hatred is beyond me! I'll gladly reap the fruits of that positive bearing! "

anonymous wrote on Dec 11, 2007 6:24 PM:

" Many tears will be spilled. Tears of joy!!! Thank you Judy, now we no longer must deal with your aborted attempts at journalism. "

violet70 wrote on Dec 11, 2007 6:09 PM:

" I wish Judy no ill will, and the cyber stalking thing is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. However, I will not miss any of her half truths, hate, intolerance, and her constant judgement of others who do not share her views. Maybe the next columnist will at least thouroghly reseach an issue before writing about it. "

ben wrote on Dec 11, 2007 6:06 PM:

" About time this column was aborted. "

mayharuka wrote on Dec 11, 2007 5:43 PM:

" No, Karl, people like you never deserve apologies nor kindness - you are far more hateful than Judy could ever be and you have never, ever shown a shred of kindness to anyone on this site. Those who don't show mercy do not deserve mercy themselves. You are merely, as you have said, reaping what you sow. "

jlmorgansr wrote on Dec 11, 2007 5:14 PM:

" Judy, I wish you and your family the very best in the coming years. I know that I will miss your column. In spite of the hatred, you spoke of love and understanding. Take care and God bless "

eliza wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:36 PM:

" Guess Ms. Ducayne gets the last laugh, all you "Cyber Stalkers" should be careful. Too bad Judy won't be able to write about your arrest... "

Yikes wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:30 PM:

" I just couldn't resist my last comment but in all fairness to Ms. Ducayne, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Nobody should have to deal with what she's apparently going through in her life. Good luck and best wishes. "

Yikes wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:23 PM:

" That "hillbilly" dude just gave me a thought to submit to Jeff Foxworthy. If Judy Ducayne has ever written anything that made you think....you might be a redneck. "

tweetyheart49 wrote on Dec 11, 2007 4:07 PM:

" There is a God. Praise the Lord and Merry Christmas!!!!! "

karl L wrote on Dec 11, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Mayharuka, you misread my post. You owe me an apology. I was not in any way "supporting" cyberstalking, nor do I wish harm to Judy or her family. The point I was making was that Judy is reaping the hatred that she sowed. And yes, I recognize that you will think that it's ironic that I should write that, but my ire has always been directed against they who have condemned others out of prejudice and ignorance--a fair target in my view. hillbilly, if Judy actually made you "think' then I think you'd better go back to high school! "

hillbilly wrote on Dec 11, 2007 2:27 PM:

" Thanks Judy for making us think. Even Karl had to think before he typed his crap or maybe not. Good luck in your future endeavors and may God Bless you. "

mayharuka wrote on Dec 11, 2007 1:39 PM:

" Karl Logan, you have shown that you can go much, much lower than I or anyone could have predicted. What kind of sick, hateful bully would even support something as awful as cyberstalking and attacking another person's family? You are an absolutely negative person with nothing beneficial to say. I think it's obvious what your idea of "intelligent" and "sensible" are. I hope one day that YOU reap what you sow and get out of your ivory tower. "

mayharuka wrote on Dec 11, 2007 1:32 PM:

" Judy, you have chosen a worthy pursuit - cyberstalking and internet bullying are far too common and need to be stopped. It's utterly disgusting what people try to get away with using their computers, whether or not they hide behind anonymity. I wish you all the best. "

karl L wrote on Dec 11, 2007 12:56 PM:

" BTW, Judy--the best that can be said with regard to your alleged "cyber-stalker" is that YOU REAPED WHAT YOU SOWED! "

karl L wrote on Dec 11, 2007 12:54 PM:

" WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! PARTY TIME!!!! I"LL BUY THE BEER! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!!!! Now please, Citizen, cast your net CAREFULLY and WIDELY for an intelligent and SENSIBLE replacement? "

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