Let's Vote on It

Author	Message
Martin Saffer Jul 18, 2011 6:09 am	Let's Vote on It "Public question" shall mean any issue or proposition, now or hereafter required by the governing body of this state or any of its subdivisions to be submitted to the voters of the state or subdivision for decision at elections;" §3-1-2 WV Code. So instead of petitions and meetings etc about the "wisdom" of Marcellus hydrofracturing why not simply put it to a county wide vote?
RML Jul 18, 2011 7:53 am	Re: Let's Vote on It Martin, An interesting idea with plenty of hazards. The nation's founders were rightly suspicious of direct voting for fear that voters might be swayed by transient issues or inaccurate information. Until abolished under Reagan, the government required that broadcast media allow the people "Equal Access" on controversial issues. The Fairness Doctrine, as it was called, was abolished at the request of a few wealthy speculators. Freed from government regulation, control over the national and local media is now in the hands of a few wealthy people and corporations. One Australian billionaire controls both Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. General Electric owns NBC, and secretive $65-billion private corporation (Bain Communications) is the largest owner of full-power AM, FM, shortwave and satellite radio stations. How does this apply to drilling for Marcellus gas in Pocahontas County? The gas industry is buying pro-drilling coverage on media ranging from Fox News to National Public Radio. Who can balance the gas industry's well-funded propaganda? How can a few, local, unfunded citizens compete for public opinion against the state's richest, most powerful private interest? Yes. Pure democracy is an attractive ideal. But it cannot happen without a level playing field. In the real world our leaders, people like you, will continue to define and serve the public interest. Making difficult decisions is part of the job of a County Commissioner. You wanted the job and many of us think you're good at it. A majority vote of county citizens will do little to protect our interests. A single vote by two County Commissioners will do a great deal more. -- Rich
Martin Saffer Jul 18, 2011 8:17 am	Re: Let's Vote on It Only if a vote by the County Commission reflects two things: (1) A reasoned decision based upon the public good (2) A reasoned decision based upon what the public feels is the "public good". In speaking to your reply, I must emphasis the importance of democracy and do not feel the "will of the Commission" is made outside of the context of the "public will". Call me naive, but I believe that with strong leadership the public can be educated to acting in its best interests. I think the role of the County Commission is not to speak for the people but to engage the people in an educated dialogue about their own best interests.
RML Jul 18, 2011 9:08 am	Re: Let's Vote on It When leaders are too strong, there is tyranny. When leaders are too weak, there is inaction or anarchy. Socrates chose to engage rather than to lead. Recall the fate of Socrates. And of Athens... -- Rich
Martin Saffer Jul 18, 2011 9:24 am	Re: Let's Vote on It Are you suggesting I break out the hemlock juice? I hope not. I understand your concerns and you can be assured the Commission is not trying to dodge its leadership role nor will it usurp the will of the people. a very fine line, indeed!
RML Jul 18, 2011 10:24 am	Re: Let's Vote on It Socrates faced a choice: lead or die. His decision to die was absurd. And the 'fine line' which is the 'will of the people'? Any such line becomes a meaningless blur when somebody keeps moving it.

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