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Spotted: Fit and Fun
Civil discourse
Much has been said in local chat rooms over the conduct of Troy City Council members, involving the rezoning of 201 acres of farmland for a residential development.
Ragging on politicians is the inalienable right of the electorate. Plus, it can be a hoot. I have little sympathy for the elected. They chose to run. Catching flak is part of the job. Get over it.
The tone of the rants from those opposed to the proposed Honey Creek development, however, has the familiar ring of the talk-radio screamers: sound and fury signifying nothing.
We’ll keep this simple:
Just because a politician doesn’t agree with you does not make them “corrupt”. It could simply be they see a different side to the argument. Or it could be you have the facts wrong. Impugning the character and honor of elected officials because they don’t agree with you only cheapens and besmirches your position.
There is nothing in the Constitution requiring elected officials to listen to you. The Republic is not a direct democracy, it’s a representative democracy. That means an elected official has the responsibility of deciding what he or she perceives to be best. Basing that decision on what the loudest, most strident voices desire is a corruption of democracy.
Despite what you may believe, it’s not about you. It is about what is best for the diverse community. Because it’s diverse, there will be many conflicting arguments. Your job is to listen, then participate. Don’t like the outcome? Elect somebody else. If you are successful, don’t expect the newly elected to walk in lock step with you. Ain’t happening.
Every day, the world changes. Get over it. None of us like it, but it’s a fact. Don’t expect 1950 or 1970 to return to Troy Ohio USA.
A final shot — this one for the City Council members. All but one of you voted for Honey Creek. Then you sat on your hands when the opponents of the project took the matter to referendum, where it got trounced. That hardly qualifies as leadership. People had to be convinced. The council appeared to not even try.
This screed is too long already, so we’ll stop here.
My wife claims I’m often wrong-headed and stubborn. Who knows, she may be right.
