Odenton-Severn, MD|News|
Forum: Addressing Controversy like Westboro Baptist
This week's parenting forum discusses talking to your kids about controversial groups

I was born in Tokyo, Japan and did a lot of traveling with my military family until finally landing in Maryland where I've lived the majority of my life. Growing up in Ellicott City, MD, I have an extreme pride for the state, evident in my passion for both the Orioles and the Ravens.
I'm an energetic person who loves adventure and spontaneity, perhaps why I love journalism so much. I'm very active in my church and I enjoy a wide variety of activities including music, sports, smoking a pipe full of cherry vanilla-flavored tobacco, watching European soccer and playing any/every sport possible.
I married my best friend in July 2011, which makes life pretty great too.<br><br><b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>As a registered Independent, I believe the answer to most political issues lies in the cooperative effort of both liberal and conservative ideologies. When in a group of predominantly one party, I'll often stray to the other end just to induce healthy discourse. I despise hard-core political polarization, but I must confess, it does make good headlines. I have faith in government, but I do not believe that the answers to many of life's problems lie in it. I'm always up for a civil discussion.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>Religion is a tricky word. I wouldn't label myself religious, only because of certain connotations that accompany it. I do profess to be a very real, passionate follower of Jesus Christ. However, I may not fit the mold you'd initially expect from someone who labels themselves a "passionate Christian." Christian, after all, means little Christ, and that is exactly what I try to do; mirror a life that correctly represents the life and teachings of Jesus. While I am passionate about my faith, I'm equally excited about engaging in conversations and discussions with people of other backgrounds. I'm as open as you can be when it comes to "religious discourse," and would openly welcome such engagements. <br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
As the new editor for Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch, there's a lot to learn. I'm learned quickly that south county is a vibrant place, full of passionate and alert people ready to impact their communities.
I hope to pick up where Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch left off—continuing to provide the fastest and most in-depth coverage of south county news and events.
I'll soon become an official resident of Edgewater, MD, so please feel free to send me tips on how I can better learn and appreciate this remarkable part of Maryland.
This week's parenting forum discusses talking to your kids about controversial groups

Teachers and administrators constantly deal with dress code violations as students wear unapproved articles of clothing.
The church group known for its anti-gay protests will picket outside of Meade High School Thursday morning.
The church group known for its anti-gay protests will picket outside of Meade High School Thursday morning.
Do you think the website deserved its A+ rating?
With no correct guesses, we reveal the location of last week's edition of Where In Severn.
This weeks Mom Council leads a discussion specific to the circus being in town.
Archbishop Spalding's girls basketball head coach, Bookie Rosemund, spoke with Severn Patch about the tournament and the team's exposure.
Officers are still searching for the suspect after police confiscated the assault weapon, an aluminum baseball bat.
Bethany correctly identified this week's photo for Where In Severn.
A brief look back at the week that was on Severn Patch.
Patch highlights the best places to fill your gas tank in Severn.
Four homes were affected by the incident caused by Saturday's storm.
Spanish students from around the county went to Old Mill High School for a concert with the Argentine musician.
We give Severn Patch readers one last chance to redeem their brackets, who's your pick?
A quick response time allowed firefighters to put out a mobile home fire in about 20 minutes.
Students throughout the county attended a Justo Lamas concert in Old Mill's auditorium Friday.
Police seized over 267 grams of cocaine, paraphernalia and two vehicles.
The moms council takes on this hot topic and invites readers to give their thoughts.
Only one vehicle needed to be towed despite slowing down rush hour traffic.