It's OK to speak up.

It's OK to speak up.

By Joe Renna

The perception of people who voice their opinions at public meetings is seldom flattering. It's a bum rap and I'd like to change that image.
Public comment is an integral part of the administrative process. It is one of the most basic rights presented in our constitution. Yet, those who take advantage of the opportunity to be heard on public record concerning important issues about the community are looked at as being an eccentric or a rabble rouser. Public opinion is crucial to government in making correct decisions. These community advocates should be encouraged instead of vilified.

The source of criticism comes from special interest groups who are trying to push projects through the system and by politicians who may have a self serving agenda concerning the issue. Either way, public knowledge is the enemy of corruption and the informed taxpayer is its nemesis. It is usually the official them selves or their party operative that tries to discourage any opposition to their cause. It is disturbing because they have the power to make life difficult for their critic. There are many forms of intimidation that keeps well meaning citizens from expressing their opinion. The threats are real and the officials involved are putrid.

There are those lone souls out there that stay informed and take action when they see a wrong being perpetrated. They are brave but even more they are persistent. One person has very little effect when up against a machine. That is why I am advocating that more people get involved.
Government has to be knocked down a peg or two and lowered to the people's level. The power of government exists above the common person. Hopefully a check and balance system exists when power is shared by two parties. But if your town, or county, is dominated by one party, it is up to the taxpayer to step up and be the watchdog.

There are plenty of great people in public office. It is important that all our energy is not spent chasing the bad guys around but the majority of our efforts should be put into supporting the good guys. With strong support, they can prevail over the sleaze.

Regular readers of this paper can notice a trend in my writing that is becoming more and more political. The events of the last two years have been the catalyst in the change. From 9/11 to the the war in Iraq, stories of bravery, patriotism and human compassion have caused me to pursue a more meaningful focus in life.

As uplifting as the stories of American spirit have been, the more disgraceful the stories of political and corporate corruption are. I think of the young men and women who have died for our country and then I think of the elected officials in the headlines who are sited for compromising the public's trust.
I don't want the deaths of our troops to be in vain. I don't want to think of POW's being tortured so some political hack can have a cushy government job. I want the pain and suffering of every veteran from every war to be considered every time an elected official makes a decision. "Justice" and "Liberty" is compromised whenever a public figure puts his personal interests before those of the people.