What did you mean by “US”?

Dear Milton Scene readers:

Yesterday, I posted an article with a poll about the most recent Milton Town election.

The introduction to the article read:

“A lot of us were surprised by the results of Milton’s April 25th Town election. We saw many long-time Town Meeting members voted out by newer members.”

I received a couple of messages from people who were offended by the use of the word “us.”

I’d like to clarify exactly what I meant by using this two-letter word:

I meant “we who were paying attention to the election.”

Post-election, I’ve spoken with many people from a variety of political leanings. I think a lot of us who were following the election were surprised by the results.

Those of us who were watching the election saw many members of Town Meeting who have served for multiple tens of years, ousted by brand new people.

In my opinion… most of us (the people who were paying attention to the election) were surprised at the sheer number of flipped seats, whether happy with the results or not.

I personally have been keeping a very close watch on the election since about 2013. Prior to that, I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t really look super closely until my first child entered kindergarten. (In my defense, I was pretty tired.)

I’d apologize for using the word “us,” but I’m not sorry. I think people who were offended were looking for something to be offended by. I know words matter, but really, this is out of control. Why immediately jump to negative conclusions? Why weaponize this two-letter word?

A little more benefit of the doubt would not kill any of us.

Wishing all of you a great day,

Melissa Fassel Dunn
Founder
The Milton Scene & Milton Neighbors

p.s. In the name of 100% transparency: it’s also possible I’m unconsciously channeling Bridgerton’s Lady Whisteldown, just a teensy bit.