Goodbye, Charlie
This is likely to be one of the most difficult posts I ever write because how do you say goodbye to someone who has been a constant in your life over the last six+ years?
Charlie Mas is something of an enigma. Even to me. He's brash, outspoken and yet, a big softie.
At times some people thought that Charlie and I were one person.
Or that we were joined at the hip in our thoughts.
Or that we confabbed on every post.
Wrong, wrong and wrong.
It makes me smile because Charlie and I also never consulted on who wrote what. We had our own reasons and our own interests. I think the most important concern for Charlie is (and always was) accountability, no more, no less.
I have sometimes groaned at his words, cheered at his words but always admired his ability to cut thru the bullshit to the core of the matter. That it may have upset others was no matter to him (or me) because the cleansing light of day is what this district has needed (whether they believe it or not).
But we recognized in each other, as did Beth Bakeman who started this blog, a recognition of the relentlessness of our thought and our desire for better for public education in this city. I know that some may not have always (or almost never) agreed with us but gave us grudging acceptance for our longevity and our refusal to give up when others might have.
If nothing else, Charlie has taught me to stand by my words and not be afraid of what others might say.
I would almost call it a "To Sir with Love" moment except that I'm older than Charlie and it is admiration and deep regard, not love.
His mind is quick, his focus clear and his devotion to his beautiful daughters always his mission.
Charlie Mas is something of an enigma. Even to me. He's brash, outspoken and yet, a big softie.
At times some people thought that Charlie and I were one person.
Or that we were joined at the hip in our thoughts.
Or that we confabbed on every post.
Wrong, wrong and wrong.
It makes me smile because Charlie and I also never consulted on who wrote what. We had our own reasons and our own interests. I think the most important concern for Charlie is (and always was) accountability, no more, no less.
I have sometimes groaned at his words, cheered at his words but always admired his ability to cut thru the bullshit to the core of the matter. That it may have upset others was no matter to him (or me) because the cleansing light of day is what this district has needed (whether they believe it or not).
But we recognized in each other, as did Beth Bakeman who started this blog, a recognition of the relentlessness of our thought and our desire for better for public education in this city. I know that some may not have always (or almost never) agreed with us but gave us grudging acceptance for our longevity and our refusal to give up when others might have.
If nothing else, Charlie has taught me to stand by my words and not be afraid of what others might say.
I would almost call it a "To Sir with Love" moment except that I'm older than Charlie and it is admiration and deep regard, not love.
His mind is quick, his focus clear and his devotion to his beautiful daughters always his mission.
But my favorite thing about Charlie is his love for, and use of, sarcasm. So many in Seattle shy away from tough talk and sarcasm - there are a lot of seemingly delicate ears in this town. (And I'm sure there are those that just think it isn't "nice.")
Fine. But for the rest of us there is Charlie and all the Brits who seem to make a sport out of being sarcastic. (See Countess Violet on Downtown Abbey "We can't have him assassinated. I suppose.")
Some thoughts on the joy of Charlie (and sarcasm):
I'm not so good with the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?
Chandler Bing
“It’s a sad state of affairs when I’m the one bringing sanity to the equation”
M.A. George
Fine. But for the rest of us there is Charlie and all the Brits who seem to make a sport out of being sarcastic. (See Countess Violet on Downtown Abbey "We can't have him assassinated. I suppose.")
Some thoughts on the joy of Charlie (and sarcasm):
I'm not so good with the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?
Chandler Bing
“It’s a sad state of affairs when I’m the one bringing sanity to the equation”
M.A. George
“I can be quite sarcastic when I'm in the mood.”
Holen Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye
Goodbye, good luck and keep in touch, Charlie.
Comments
Mel didn't mention this, but I'm hell to sit with at Board meetings. I do a sarcastic MST3K-style running commentary. It can be a little distracting.
Because the bulk of this work is online, there are a lot of people who don't recognize me in person. They find out who I am and they ask me if I'm that Charlie Mas. I admit that I am, and begin by asking if I owe them an apology. I've had to make a lot of apologies.
I've had to apologize here a number of times and, even more often, acknowledge that I was wrong about things. That's the nature of this work. I'm wrong a lot.
In all of the time that I've been doing this, I have never asked the District to do anything that they didn't promise to do. That's a funny problem with the SPS culture. They think that setting a goal is equivalent with meeting the goal and they think that making a promise is equivalent with keeping a promise. They are shocked and offended when anyone actually remembers their commitments and expects them to be fulfilled.
Maybe it's a Seattle thing, but people around here shy from confrontation. Consequently, I once was pilloried for calling Raj Manhas a jerk for refusing to fulfill a long list of promises he made in a letter to Spectrum families. No one, however, had any problem with his broken promises, just with my rudeness in bringing them to everyone's attention. I don't get that. I hope I never do.
(BTW, where do you find the Japanese anime films that are like Miyazaki's? I saw a list of films you recommended on Slog but can't figure out where to get them.Thanks :-)
CCA
We've never met in person but I owe you a huge debt of gratitude -- for making me feel a little less insane vis-a-vis SPS, somewhat more courageous, and a lot more informed. Thank you.
Baron Humbert von Gikkingen
"Nice" . . . this country is going down the drain with "nice."
Good luck, Charlie. I hope you like the east coast. Feel free to chime in anytime.
You may want to be careful, however. Japanese stories, even those meant for children, can contain nudity and references to sex. If you're sensitive to that sort of thing you'll want to either preview what you share with your kids or check a reference like Anime News Network for any objectionable content.
Sakura Con will be this weekend at the Convention Center downtown. Even if you don't become a member and have access to all of the programming, you can see all of the cosplays in the public parts of the convention center.
CCA
Thank you so much for all your hard work reporting from SPS. We are going to miss you a lot. Wishing you and your family the best!
- One of your readers
Anything which rocks the boat against whatever nonsense leaders are spewing is like punching someone in the mouth & knocking out teeth. (I partially grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, confrontation was dangerous to your health.)
On Sunday I wish had presented you with the Michael Tolley Award For Democratic, Open Processes, and Not Being A Self Promoting Pocket Liner.
I also wish I had presented you with the Bill Gate$ Award For NOT Being A Highly Degreed, Highly Credentialed, Highly Compensated Suck Up, Sycophant and Toady.
BonVoyage
May you find things as worthy as what you have done here to occupy your time "back east."
Jan
-see you around Charlie