I have a few thoughts on the longsuffering and the politics in our county. If I may I would like to share them with your readership.
Thomas Paine stirred the American spirit in the 1700’s when he encouraged the colonists to “oppose not only the tyranny but the tyrant”. This is one of the most famous phrases Paine wrote in his pamphlet Common Sense and it is not difficult to understand why it was important that it be said. In fact, it needs to be said now in Liberty County.
The abuse and misuse of office in Liberty County is well known. But we need to face the facts that Thomas Paine faced over 200 years ago and realize that it takes more than just hating corruption. It takes more than just recognizing something is wrong in the courthouse.
Paine points us to what may be common sense but something that is less common to act on. In addition to opposing corruption, Paine says we have to oppose the corrupt people involved too. By most accounts King George III was a popular head of state. But after he refused to change his ways and reacted so aggressively in response to the Olive Branch Petition, it took someone like Paine to help people to see that though the King may be loved, opposing him was the only way to be free – and the only way to free the King from being a tyrant.
The good people of this county are in many ways just like the patriots in Paine’s day. Most people are not eager to see someone lose their job or to face the consequences of their behavior. Most people hate corruption, but they do not expect to find out that the corrupt are their friends and neighbors. We almost would rather just continue to gripe about corruption and do nothing rather than find out the county is being victimized by someone that we know or someone whose family we really like.
In the days following the American Revolution and Thomas Paine’s famous writings, the British and King George III became the United States’ number one trading partner. In knowing that, we need to realize we too need to oppose our friends when they are doing wrong. We need to help take them out of a position of authority. We need to stop allowing their corruption to hurt so many people. Then, as the patriots did with the King, we can try and renew our relationship with them.
4 comments:
I use to call some of these people friends. But these people are vipers!
It is hard to stand up, especially alone, against corruption. In the past history has shown when you stand up against the corrupt (Liberty County officals), the one that stands up is the one that is scrutinized and punished. Just lik the Bagwell/Davenport trial in federal court about 13 years ago against 2 commissioners who the jury found had violated Bagwell/Davenport's constitutional rights. They were re-elected. People need to pull their heads out of the sand and stand up (together) or nothing can be done.
These people are not friends and neighbors to the feds. Maybe they will finish what voters have taken so long to start doing.
Paine was wrong about a lot of things in his life but he was right about this. And you are right on the money making the comparison.
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