What is Rhetoric?
That word has been used quite alot in the last few days. I don't know about the rest of you but every once in awhile I have to go back to visit Mr Webster to check on words I have used all my life. You spend years believing they mean one thing and then after a consult realize you may have been just a bit off. I believe there are some using the word that could be taking it slightly out of context. In the last week I've written two blogs on the 5+2 issue. I took my stand based upon a basic simple principle of money. I did not lambast opponents of this issue, I did not complain about the SOE. I offered readers a valid principle with which people could identify and agree with. Marie, (TruthHurts) said it best. While she's on the fence with her vote should it get on the ballot she does have respect for the process and could sign a petition based upon that. Respect for the process, has that become a endangered principle? There is a big difference between having respect for it and manipulating it. There is a big difference between having respect for the voters and manipulating them. The most important thing about the upcoming election is for people to get involved, get out and vote. If the hundreds of thousands of people of Clay County don't decide what they want and let their voices be heard then a comparatively minute fraction of the population gets to continue to control it all as they have for years. Do I want people to listen and agree with me? Of course I do, I have never represented that I am just giving information. Is there anything wrong with that? Of course there is not. Regardless of the subject it is human nature to want to effect people in such a way that they agree with you if it's possible when it's something you feel deeply about. Exchanging information is how we connect, bond and/or work together. In creating a link for the petition, that was a way that I could keep this issue in the forefront of access without writing a blog about it everyday. I did that realizing that not everyone wants to talk about politics at all much less non stop. The other reason I have done that is so the people that don't visit this site everyday, or even every week will have easy access to that petition if they want it. Its been said that a few of us have been "spouting" the same things. Our arguments are "tired" and we need new ones. Note that there are also no "new" arguments on the other side. I don't need a new argument, the one I have is sound, it's an expense we don't need and can't afford. Blatantly missing has been my opinions on the motives of the opposition and the character of some of those involved. When the defense for the extra 2 Commissioners continued to be one of choice and it was pointed out that there would be no choice this election cycle there was no legitimate response given but the response was to take it off the front page by creating multiple blogs so that could not remain in clear view. Admitting that you are so manipulative that you would push the free speech of other people off of the front page is clear cut evidence of the lack of any other valid argument. Personally I'd rather lose the issue in a fair "race or process" then stoop that low. There has to be respect for the process, it's the only thing that truly seperates us from the other side. Unfortunately sometimes when you don't play dirty you can lose but that is no reason to start. Pushing stuff off the front page and then going "see nobody wants to talk about it" is something only an intellectually challenged person would fall for. Confession is good for the soul but does it relieve you of consequence? I've waited a couple of days to say anything out of respect for those who come here wanting to see something new on the front page of the blogs. There is no one here in the blogs that is for this petition getting on the ballot that wants to overtake the site for one subject. The surest way to get people to NOT listen is to try and shove it down their throats whether its politics or religion, and I want those of you who vote to listen. What is "rhetoric" is to a degree a subjective opinion based upon your views and your own personal code of conduct. At least on my side of the issue you will get a choice, it's a choice you may have already made once and will have the opportunity, or the chore depending on your views to make it again. For whatever reason or agenda these two positions were created for two years ago the changes in the economy since then warrants another look. If "the will of the people" is truly what you wish for then there should be no angst. If what you wish for is to have it your way regardless of the tactics you have to use then you are not operating with the best interest "of the people" at heart. When you see manipulation, especially on a repeated basis you have to wonder what is there that you don't see. It's a toss up whether the county can operate better with a 5 single member district or with the addition of two at large Commissioners. I can't see the future and neither can you. What I do know is that the single member district was never given the chance to prove itself first so arguing that the people who voted for the extra two are being ignored is truly "rhetoric" for me, what was ignored first? Getting this petition on the ballot will give ALL voters an even field at the same time, the ones who voted for 5 single member district in the beginning and those that voted to add 2 after the fact. This will be the last blog I create on the subject for a few days at least, again out of respect for those who get bored with it. I will continue to carry the link in my entries which is about the best middle of the road behavior I can come up with. http://24.23.126.8/ Petition for choice in November Related: Marsha's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version | Tags: 5+2 | peition
Submitted by Marsha on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 9:31am.
I appreciate the sentiment Rich. You and I perhaps the best example of tolerance and civility within this site due to our polar opposite views on Religion. I have tried to not take your views and comments about Christians/Religion, call it what you will personally. I understand that the things you detest the most about it all with regards to peoples behavior I am not guilty of. It took a few discussions with you for me to make that realization. We have gotten frustrated with each other, or at least speaking only for myself I have gotten frustrated with you over it a few times. Then I learned to practice what I preach and that is some degree of tolerance recognizing we ALL have free will and choice. Yet through it all we've remained civil, respectful. I haven't pushed your blogs or anyone else's out of view because I don't want anyone that might perhaps agree to join you. Judy and I also have very very differing views on religion yet we focus on what unites us, what we have in common rather then battle trying to convert each other. I have been accused by Karen Lake of intentionally trying to monopolize the site and I completely and totally 100% deny that accusation. She's accused Mike, Judy and I of conspiring to take over the front page and again, I deny that as well. I don't want to run my mouth about anything until people get sick of it regardless of the topic. I am smart enough to realize there is a point where you just lose their attention. Those of you who've been in here awhile I would think should know better then to believe I would do such things. Those who are just reading for the first time don't know me so they don't know what to believe. When I wrote a second blog to put a link in, I could have just added it to the blog I'd already written but didn't. I made the choice to put it back at the top of the page because I knew there were alot of people waiting for it. It's a timely effort, there isn't much time and sometimes there are so many comments on the side over there it can get lost. An attempt to get it front and center yes, an attempt to monopolize it wasn't. I don't see my involvement as an attempt for "political gain" so far it's costing me time, emotion and money. The only thing I have to gain is to get something I believe in on the ballot. I already have a Profession, I'm just an ordinary citizen exercising the right that people have died for to protect, and that is to campaign for what I believe is right. I have a right to do that and I have done nothing more then that. I said I would take a break for a few days on writing new blogs about the petition, even if this one gets pushed off as well, I've at least stated my case. I will however continue to comment on ones that exist. I don't live my life by "The end justifies the means" I try to do what is right and even when no one is looking. I strive to have integrity every single day of my life. For those that don't know me well enough to believe that or those who are too blind to see I can do nothing about that. I strive daily for the Serenity to accept what I cannot change and the Courage to know the difference. Maya Angelou once said "Use patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the Temple, Passion alone will destroy it's walls." http://24.23.126.8/ Petition for choice on how many Commissioners you want. Submitted by Sunflower on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 9:45am.
Marsha - very well stated - your blog and your followup comment. Rich - you too. Thanks to you both. Judy link to petition: http://24.23.126.8/Petition.pdf
Submitted by Key2life on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 10:03am.
Me thinks the Glamour Girl doth protest too much...it appears she's got her whitey tighties in a complete twist. How incredibly disengenous of you to wax poetic to get your blog at the top of the page, again. Karen Lake Submitted by clayvoter on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 11:09am.
Karen, I think the phrase is Tightie-Whiteys...unless you meant Highty-Tighties (then you might be talking about dancin' around a subject) You also could say knickers in a knot or (my personal fav) panties in a bunch. Sorry bloggers, with the absolutely GLORIOUS weather I am really having trouble being serious. I am off to dig in the dirt, and then find a sunny spot to finish a good book. And (even more off topic) Karen, I really meant my previous "tough cookie" remark as a compliment, I admire your tenacity. Submitted by SoloVoce on Thu, 04/17/2008 - 11:36am.
Marsha, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, might have been frustrated with each other, along with CCC & Smuncey, but other than calling one or the other a left or right wing liberal or conservative, I can't recall any of us getting down to the level of the name calling we've seen lately. Add to that the some of the topics & discussions raised the heat level & think anyone would have to admit that civility & respect still reigned supreme. An dat's da way dat whould be. Speaking of, I've been listening to a program on the FLDS cult, the children who were taken & thinking that that situation shows one of the worse aspects of what people can do in the name of religion. Then I look at the numbers of people who quietly go @ their business, voluteering time, money & effort to help others & I have to ask why such a disparity? Oh well. That's another thread for another day. On to other things. My thanks to you & all who have kept up the civility banner & kept this blog fun & informative. JATFUR. RichK
Submitted by Key2life on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 11:14pm.
clayvoter, I deeply apologize...I missed it completely. It was tightie whiteys not whitey tighties. I got confused because I was trying to remember the Hootie's commercial, and it was relatively early in the morning. Thank you for your compliment, clayvoter. I do try and hang in there. All I meant by identifying tightie whiteys was that Marsha is a very uptight individual who will not laugh at herself at any cost. She takes herself too seriously. And MCS blogland is NOT life and death. There are many issues that are but MCS is not one of those. Consider this, anyone who posts a decades old glamour photo as her avatar is inviting comment and ridicule [that's why I occasionally call her Glamour Girl.] Facetiously, I don't prefer the sayings "knickers in a twist" or "panties in a bunch," because really, whitey tighties describe Marsha perfectly for me. Karen Lake Submitted by read44 on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 11:59pm.
Submitted by Key2life on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 11:24pm. Miani, I treat others as I want to be treated. I share my honest feelings with others. I wait my turn. You cannot help me. I am an adult. Do not try and change me. Karen Lake Let me understand this Karen; you want people to treat you the way you just treated Marsha?
Submitted by TruthHurts on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 12:05am.
Listen ladies I know what you all think of me so I won't get into that ok. But maybe you should all take a deep breath and back off from each other. it's not worth it, and is going no where. Your all smart people, with strong veiws, just different thats all.
TRUTHHURTS
Submitted by Key2life on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 12:08am.
read44, Lighten up...Marsha is big girl and can defend herself admiirably - if not honestly. Karen Lake People are talking about ...Here are the recent blog postings with the most comments. |
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Marsha,
Although I have not contributed to this subject, I have been following it and appreciate the views of all concerned. When a topic, any topic comes up, especially one like this which would have an impact on all citizens, I think it a heavy responsibility to keep the people informed for the reasons you gave.
If some find it boring, apparently they've never considered their legal right to skip it as has been mentioned on these blogs before. A topic like this, regardless of how many times it appears, needs no explanation or apology for its frequency. In another blog, I explained the amount of great information I've learned @ local politics because of people like you, Mike, Angela & others. I hope that none of you ever loose the passion you have for these subjects or tire of informing the rest of us. Please, just keep on keepin' on. JATFUR.
RichK