Thanks for all the attention you’ve been devoting to the potential confusion and chaos that might ensue if the change of government propositions are voted in. It’s important to point out that even if the method and timing of the changes had been spelled out by the proponents — even if we weren’t being asked to buy a pig in a poke — the proposed changes still amount to a roll back of our new county charter that this community fought for and won back in 1992. Do we really want to return to something closer to the “good” ol’ days of our “good ol’ boy” three-commissioner system?
Thanks also for your coverage of the recent outbreak of negative tactics by certain individuals. (I find it interesting that some of the same individuals launching those attacks were also once closely connected to the good ol’ boy system that we rejected back in 1992). It’s sad that the tone of politics in Grand County has taken an ugly turn. But just in case anybody was inclined to wonder why it suddenly seems “okay” to them to launch such attacks, there’s no need. Simply look to the source, look to our national leadership.
Despite the many layers of power our country’s government involves, despite all our constitutional checks and balances, the office of the President of the United States is still the single most influential tone-setter in our political landscape. He leads by example, whether for good or ill. And led by President Bush, the Republican Party has returned to the type of dirty-tricks politics not seen in this country since Nixon was disgraced by such activities and resigned.
Somehow, it seemed almost easy for us to accept this, to simply shrug our shoulders and look the other way — as long as it remained “out there,” in the realm of national politics. But now the example Bush set over the past four years is finally coming home roost.
It has been many years since politics in Grand County has taken such a negative tone. Previously, it was understood that these types of tactics were simply not acceptable here. Apparently, some locals now think that our collective boundary of what’s acceptable has shifted. Let’s show them they’re wrong.
I hope some folks who supported Bush four years ago will take this into account when they make their choice for president in a couple of weeks.
–Franklin Seal
Moab