I agree with the speaker; it is a sad commentary on our democracy. The lesson here is that citizens ought to know more about the people they vote for. My theory is that local civic boards and councils are intentionally mind-numbingly boring because they prefer that no one show up for their meetings.
I doubt this is an isolated case of such behavior by government officials. Local, state, or federal. Hell, our Top Federal Official is known for his rudeness and mendacity. The old saying the fish rots from the head down.
While I agree with the speaker, I had a brief experience on the other side of the fence in a low level elected position. Non-paying that required a weekly evening meeting, after work, a couple of hours at the least. The abuse and angry rhetoric was beyond the pale by the so called constituents. Finally my two year term ended. There was not enough money in the world for me to ever be willing to take the late night phone calls and abuse again. I suggest part of what we have in elected officials behavior is and was brought about by tolerating all of this uncivil behavior.
I watched this video the other day and all I could think of besides feeling some measure of sympathy for the citizen was, "Do these City Council critters somehow belong to the New York City Transit Workers' Union?
Every voter in Seattle should have the opportunity to see this.
Someone once said, "I don't like politicians because they want power over people. I despise local politicians because they want power over people they know."
Tragic story. I actually knew the guy. When the city annexed his unincorporated neighborhood it came with the full Byzantine level of city ordinances to nail him and his small business with close to half a million in fines and court costs.
He never paid the fines and the city council mostly had nice funerals.
In my town you can add Rent Control Board to that. Very officious and snippy. We're studying now about obedience to government (instituted by God). The little snip talking down to him sure makes that hard.
Baysider, We have the same problem with officious and snippy here -- with the Zoning Commission.
At one point I was told, "We will tell you what kind of fence you can have -- and where and how tall you can build it."
The local government sends out enforcers, to whom I refer as "the Zoning Nazis." I've had several go rounds with them. But no more: now the ADA tops the county's damn regulations.
I would chide that government *was not* instituted by God. God actually tried to talk Samuel and the people of Israel out of the ridiculous idea. (1 Samuel chapter 8)
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I agree with the speaker; it is a sad commentary on our democracy. The lesson here is that citizens ought to know more about the people they vote for. My theory is that local civic boards and councils are intentionally mind-numbingly boring because they prefer that no one show up for their meetings.
ReplyDeleteIt's working.
DeleteI doubt this is an isolated case of such behavior by government officials. Local, state, or federal. Hell, our Top Federal Official is known for his rudeness and mendacity. The old saying the fish rots from the head down.
ReplyDelete"But, But, But, … TRUMP!" He sputtered and whimpered.
DeleteThis kind of stuff was going on way before President Trump's smashing victory.
While I agree with the speaker, I had a brief experience on the other side of the fence in a low level elected position. Non-paying that required a weekly evening meeting, after work, a couple of hours at the least.
ReplyDeleteThe abuse and angry rhetoric was beyond the pale by the so called constituents.
Finally my two year term ended. There was not enough money in the world for me to ever be willing to take the late night phone calls and abuse again.
I suggest part of what we have in elected officials behavior is and was brought about by tolerating all of this uncivil behavior.
Bunkerville,
DeleteInteresting!
I haven't seen such behavior from constituents here in Northern Virginia when they go before the local boards of supervisors.
Whatcha all expect? It ain't the South...
DeleteI watched this video the other day and all I could think of besides feeling some measure of sympathy for the citizen was, "Do these City Council critters somehow belong to the New York City Transit Workers' Union?
ReplyDeleteEvery voter in Seattle should have the opportunity to see this.
Someone once said, "I don't like politicians because they want power over people. I despise local politicians because they want power over people they know."
ReplyDeleteCookie Thornton fought city hall to the death.
ReplyDeleteTC,
DeleteI had to look up that name.
Tragic story. I actually knew the guy. When the city annexed his unincorporated neighborhood it came with the full Byzantine level of city ordinances to nail him and his small business with close to half a million in fines and court costs.
DeleteHe never paid the fines and the city council mostly had nice funerals.
In my town you can add Rent Control Board to that. Very officious and snippy. We're studying now about obedience to government (instituted by God). The little snip talking down to him sure makes that hard.
ReplyDeleteBaysider,
DeleteWe have the same problem with officious and snippy here -- with the Zoning Commission.
At one point I was told, "We will tell you what kind of fence you can have -- and where and how tall you can build it."
The local government sends out enforcers, to whom I refer as "the Zoning Nazis." I've had several go rounds with them. But no more: now the ADA tops the county's damn regulations.
I would chide that government *was not* instituted by God. God actually tried to talk Samuel and the people of Israel out of the ridiculous idea. (1 Samuel chapter 8)
ReplyDelete😉
TC,
DeleteFrom the banner at Warren's blog:
Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
~ George Washington
Amen!
Delete