Three generations ago the National Municipal League in New York City suggested that the seven deadly ills of government are: “Apathy and ignorance; unfair methods in elections; corruption in politics; waste in government; overlapping services; poor planning and financing; unnecessary centralization and too much bureaucracy.”
I am one who believes the League was right, and unfortunately, the only difference I can see is that the situation is much worse in our generation than it was three generations ago.
The question on the minds of many is: Would it be too much to expect our elected officials to work for the good of all our citizens? Is it asking too much to expect them to be fair and honest?
Does truth matter? or does every man take what he can without regard for his fellow man? We should remember that civilization is always just one generation away from the jungle.
Is it the responsibility of our elected officials to keep us informed and always tell us the truth, except in matters of security! What can we do about duly elected politicians who have become wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing? It seems to me we have two choices: We can vote them out of office; or we can take the high road and pray that these lazy, selfish, greedy politicians will see the error of their ways and seek the forgiveness of a loving and merciful God, and join those who are dedicated to honor and serve the nation. God will forgive and the world will be better.
Some years ago, Henry Luce wrote, “The most dangerous fault in American life today is the lack of interest in truth.” Did not Jesus say, “I am the truth... and the truth shall set you free.”
There is something wrong with a government when public officials deceive the folks who voted them in office and selfishly spend their time and energy making sure they are re-elected. There is a major deficiency in honor and truth in too many of our leaders.
Are we out of bounds when we expect our government to be honest with us, and always tell us the truth? We are real people and we live in the real world. We can accept truth and deal with reality. Most of us find it difficult to honor and respect those who deceive, cover up and mislead us. A government is corrupt if it deceives us and it is a government that cannot be trusted. America is a great nation and we deserve a government that will always tell us the truth.
I find it difficult to trust the judgment of those who advise that the path to prosperity is to borrow and spend money we do not have and somehow out of this chaos we will prosper. Let no member of any political party fudge the numbers, cleverly conceal the consequences of their actions, hoping that we will forget. We are trading truth and candor for deceit and deception.
If honesty is passé and integrity is out of style, God help us!
It has been said that the most perfect government is that under which a single wrong to the humblest among us is an affront to all of us.
If yes, tell taxpayers why your taxes went from about $1,200 to $170
Com Chair Alvin Long
map #001A-064- 2008 taxes $1,165.59
#001A-064- 2009 taxes $0,168.83
(He'll say: by law, he didn't have anything to do with his taxes going down. The truth is Alvin Long is Chairman, helped select and paid the out of town firm that figured his taxes.)
Your turn, Alvin. (FYI: The other rubber stamp commissioners taxes were up a total of $2500)
If yes, tell taxpayers why your taxes went from about $1,200 to $170
Com Chair Alvin Long
map #001A-064- 2008 taxes $1,165.59
#001A-064- 2009 taxes $0,168.83
(He'll say: by law, he didn't have anything to do with his taxes going down. The truth is Alvin Long is Chairman, helped select and paid the out of town firm that figured his taxes.)