Monday, November 5, 2012 —
Democracy can be a messy business.
But, it is also a privilege and a responsibility that must be taken very seriously.
We live in a country whose forefathers knew what it was like to be ruled instead of being part of the process.
In their wisdom, they fashioned a government that is “of the people, by the people and for the people.”
On Tuesday, the citizens of this country will have the opportunity to bring those words to life as they are given the privilege to cast ballots for those who they feel can best lead our county, state and country.
These are not decisions that should be taken lightly.
Throughout the pages of this newspaper over the past several months have been the views and opinions of those who would seek those offices of leadership.
They have, through various forms of media, attempted to say the best about themselves and, in some cases, the worst about their opponents.
Yes, it is a messy and sometimes distasteful process that has been established. However, the decision is not in the hands of those who send out the message. It is in the hands of the citizens who take the time and effort to learn as much as they can about the issues and those who seek their trust.
Locally, it is time to choose members of the county commission, school board and register of deeds.
These are the folks you know and the offices which will most closely affect your lives.
The candidates may be friends, neighbors or acquaintances; however, now more than ever, it is important to not vote on those qualities alone. It is not about the best friend as much as it is about the best person for the job.
Both the commission and school board are facing some crossroad decisions that will affect Stanly County for decades to come. This is not a time to be complacent about who will help to make those decisions.
A governor, state representative and state senator are also to be chosen. Those are offices that will also face some major decisions about the future of North Carolina. Choosing those who are willing to make those tough choices and be honest about why they are taking the actions they feel best could not be more important than it is now.
Our citizens will also go to choose a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
While that person will only be one of 435, it is called “The People’s House” because it is as close to a citizen legislature as we have. It is the congressional position that most relates to home and the needs of constituents.
It is also where all major legislation begins and even the least of members can have a large say in the issues of budget and defense.
Again, not a decision to take lightly.
We will also pick the next president of the United States.
Here is a person we trust with our safety, with our secrets and with our futures.
This is the leader of the most powerful nation on earth.
It is someone who bears responsibilities no one can truly fathom unless they have sat at the presidential desk.
On Tuesday, the citizens must make the decisions as to who are up to these tasks.
It has never been more important that we choose well.
And, it has never been more important citizens take the time to make the people’s choices heard.
To all those who have already voted, thank you for taking your responsibility seriously.
For those who have not, the only thing you may have to battle is a long line — nothing like what those who fought for you to have the right to freely vote and have that voice recognized.
The bottom line is be a good citizen. Go vote.
Opinion & Letters to the Editor
Related Photos
-
Vote
Discussion
The privilege of casting ballots
- Opinion & Letters to the Editor
-
-
We are Uniquely Made
Earlier this week the seniors at our school had one final hurdle to jump before graduation. They had to present their senior projects before panels of community members. Each room had four adults: the moderator and the three judges. You can be sure the students were quite nervous, but they usually do a great job. If they have practiced and prepared then they should experience success.
-
Ronald McDonald House of benefit to us all
On Tuesday, Stanly County Managers Association members heard a presentation concerning the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte.
-
Celebrating small businesses and continuing new ways of communicating
Some stories are worth mentioning again.
-
Editorial: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
This amounts to spying on an American news organization -- common practice in dictatorships but scary conduct in a democratic system that prizes the public value of an independent watchdog press.
-
Google shuts down SMS search, angers people who had forgotten it existed
Instead of texting back search results, Google responds with a short message noting that the service "has been shutdown" (sic) and that you can continue to search the Web by visiting google.com (duh).
-
Walking by Faith
Last week I wrote about waiting on the Lord. I really needed to hear from the Lord, but all I was receiving was “wait.” I really don’t like to wait, but it is important to give God the opportunity to work things out before we proceed. After we wait on God, the next thing we are going to be asked to do is to walk by faith. That means that God is only going to reveal one step at a time, which is almost as much fun as “wait.”
-
Jettie Parker
Jettie Frick Parker, 89, of Albemarle died at 2 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013, in Trinity Place, Albemarle.
-
Always Learning
I am teaching a class this semester that I haven’t taught in over a dozen years. Although I have taught it before, it still has a feeling of being new. The curriculum has been updated, and I must spend a good bit of time reviewing and preparing for the lesson each day. It doesn’t surprise me that often that I will come across something I didn’t know. The other day I made a big fuss about learning something new. The kids had a good time with that; their teacher learned something new.
-
West of Memphis: My Favorite Documentary Gets a New Partner
I saw “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders of Robin Hood Hills” when it played in theaters in 1996. At some point during the viewing, it became my favorite documentary. A position it has held for nearly 20 years. I own a copy of it, along with the two sequels “(Paradise Lost 2: Revelations” and “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory).” Many know part of the story told in the films; it is a story that everyone should witness.
-
Childhood bullying linked to adult psychological disorders
A significant study from Duke provides the best evidence we’ve had thus far that bullying in childhood is linked to a higher risk of psychological disorders in adulthood. The results came as a surprise to the research team.
- More Opinion & Letters to the Editor Headlines
-
