Political Ignorance

Political Ignorance

This column is sure to make some folks angry. At least some may be offended. People are, in general terms, ignorant of the importance of their vote. More importantly, that a citizen’s voice can make a difference!

Surveys show that 70 per cent of American adults do not know that Congress passed a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens, even though the law - projected to cost $500 billion over the next 10 years - is probably the most significant domestic legislation passed during the Bush administration. More than 60 per cent do not know that President George W. Bush's term has seen a massive increase in domestic spending that added greatly to the budget deficit. Three-quarters admit that they know little or nothing about the Patriot Act.

It is tempting to conclude that voters must be lazy or stupid. Many smart and hardworking people decide not to pay much attention to politics. No matter how well-informed a person is, he believes his vote will not affect the outcome of an election. Even citizens who care greatly about outcomes think they have no incentive to acquire sufficient knowledge to make an informed choice. With the rise of the internet and 24-hour news channels, political knowledge is readily available to those willing to take the time and effort to find it. The problem is not that the truth is not out there, it is that most do not bother to seek it out.

How many people are aware that the City of McDonough heard four annexation requests at the November 22 meeting of their planning and zoning board? Together the properties on Lake Dow and McGarity roads represented 512 new homesites. What action was taken by regular citizens to speak out, for or against, at the city’s public meetings?

Our county commissioners have approved zoning changes that tangibly remove value from one (existing homeowner) and give that value to another (usually a developer). That is a backdoor application of eminent domain that shows no respect for private property. What about the City of Stockbridge using eminent domain for private economic benefit? The recent voter turnout was very low and the only negative voices were those of personally affected landowners. There is a great principle here that involves our Constitution, our way of life and trust in government.

What about appointed – not elected - representatives? For example we have members of the Georgia Transportation Board like Dana Lemon, appointed by Sen. David Scott to represent Clayton and part of Henry County. She is a diehard advocate of the commuter rail to run from Atlanta to the southernmost reaches of the earth. Lemon admits the need for funding alternatives. Yet, her position is to follow Sen. Scott and Clayton commission chair Eldrin Bell regardless of whether the grand scheme can be financed! Dana Lemon, supposedly serving part of Henry County, does not want to hear what taxpayers have to say. She is a stealth appointee because she has no accountability to voters or citizens. She has ignored real elected representatives like Clayton’s commissioner Wole Ralph, Sen. Seay and Henry’s Rep. Davis, Henry commissioner BJ Mathis and the Hampton City Council. She ignored even the 2,000 Clayton taxpayers who signed letters opposing the rail.

What about our local newspapers? We sometimes see a “Growth Watch” section, but we rarely see detailed information about the workings of the county commissioners. The official county website provides minutes from commission meetings, but no index for users to quickly find specific information. Maybe someone should address this lack of ready information with the papers and the commissioners.

Do these facts interest anyone out there? Just pick up a local newspaper, or contact your state representative to get on their email lists. The truth is out there. What are you prepared to do with it?

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