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Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Viewpoints for Monday, Nov. 9

Flawed system

The editors chastised people for the dismal 8.4 percent voter turnout in the passage of the Bibb education sales tax vote, blaming it on apathy. However, this apathy was predetermined and it will repeat itself.

The school board's winning strategy was to schedule the vote on an election day when no candidates were running for office, thus, ensuring a low-voter turnout. They avoided a mass publicity campaign to educate the voters and get out the vote because it could have generated opposition. Instead, they initiated a "stealth campaign" to get their existing supporters to the polls. Ultimately, only 3,000 votes were needed to enact the $200 million tax, which public school employees and parents could have accounted for.

We do need better schools, but we also need a myriad of other things, both public and private. Most people are overwhelmed with their work and home life and whatever hobbies, TV or social life they have. Too much demands our attention for us to stay on top of every news story or public issue.

You can blame people (voters), but this problem is due more to a flawed election system rather than the voter apathy that Phil Dodson said, allows “a tiny minority of voters to choose the paths we will follow in matters of this importance.”

These tax votes should only be allowed in general elections where turnout is higher. If not, these votes should be required to have a minimal 33 percent voter turnout to be valid. Tax proponents should have to generate public support for their plans, rather than slipping them in under the radar.

It is ethically irresponsible to create or take advantage of an election system, that enables minority control of majority resources. You can blame it on the lack of voters if you like, but too many votes and public input opportunities for countless government offices, projects and policies can dilute public participation, simply due to time constraints.

When minimal participation is facilitated and allowed, special interests gain greater influence and control over the outcome and the general public, voting and non-voting, pays the price.

— John Wilson Macon

It isn’t about race

I have found that a lot of people want the discussion we are having about health-care reform to be about race. I have looked at the discussion and race isn't in it — it's about less or more government.

I especially hate people who make statements that to the effect apply some people’s opinions to everyone who debates the issue. I also hate that they make statements that the former president had no angry threats or complaints. They evidently didn't read the news. All presidents have distracters.

People like George Muhammad and Catherine Meeks get my goat because to them everything is about race.

Thank God the majority of people don't read these opinions.

— Tom Morris Robins AFB

Redirect

I must make an effort to correct information in Ken Brown's letter of Nov. 6. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is to honor those who served an survived.

Memorial Day honors those that gave their last measure for their country. So wear the medals Nov. 11.

— George Skinner Dublin

Prayer for Monday, Nov. 9

Lord, I have stepped over and on blessings as I make my way to prayers for more blessings. Please show me all the riches in my life that come directly from your hand. Remove from my spirit any longing, sin and preoccupation, The space they leave behind is meant for your fulfillment, grace and will. Empty me. Fill me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

— Submitted by Grady Sneed Macon