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/ [1] Petition for choice in November