Upon attending the subcommittee meeting on incorporation and annexations, a subset of county CEO Lee May's "Task Force" on County Operation, here are some philosophical thoughts for you today, regardless of where you live:
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Taxpayers are being kicked under the bus and real
conversations with lawmakers and other leaders
are not taking place.
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Compromise and change cannot come without a true, meaningful dialogue. This type of dialogue will not occur as long as there are those that disrespect the views of others.
"In order to have a REAL conversation with another person, you, yourself, must open to the possibility that you are wrong."
(-- dadsfirst, July 11, 2011, DeKalb School Watch Blog)
In other words, if two individuals seek to converse and each one holds fast to their own beliefs without the courtesy of actually listening to the other individual, then you have not really had a true "conversation."
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In this case, the term popular refers to "of the people as a whole" ...
"A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
(- James Madison, American president)
In other words, if we do not have the knowledge that is necessary for effective self-governing, or we do not have the desire to step up and demand access to it, then perhaps we are not ready to take on the challenge. It is foolish to support a plan of which you know nothing about. But, it is perhaps even a greater crime to cause others to suffer the consequences that may result from your ignorance.
There is a significant amount of information that the taxpayers in DeKalb are not being told about the proposed new cities. Even worse, however, is the fact that the people have been lied to by people who continue to insist they are serving in our own best interests. Yet, where do you see their names on paper, stating they will be accountable for their own actions or accountable to the community they claim to serve?
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- Rather than a new form of government, would you buy a new car based on the limited information you have received so far from city advocacy groups?
- Do you know the real cost, the actual terms of service delivery contracts or what options you might have if you are not satisfied with the results of your decision?
- Have you checked under the hood, so to speak?
- Have you kicked the tires?
- Would you feel safe allowing your child to one day get behind the wheel and take this vehicle for a spin?
- Will the roads you share with others still be safe, even when your new purchase hits the streets?
Because there are people who will be affected and children who will come along later, and they don't have a choice in the purchase you are going to eventually be asked to make. Don't let a smooth talking sales person charm you into something that you know nothing about, especially if it might be something you cannot afford.