David and Pam put up a good fight and worked very hard and many talents that they could have added will be missed. I was asked if I was 100% satisfied with the results? I don't believe anyone is 100% but the mix shows that Democracy is working in Delmont. I was also asked about anyone trying to influence the outcome. I have no first hand knowledge of any attempts.
I really wish that we could get this type of citizen participation in the planning of Delmont's future. There was a fair amount of participation in the Zoning ordinance update but nothing like the election results.
I sincerely hope that the turnout was not inspired FEAR (False Expectations Appearing Real) or because there was only one issue of interest, that is not really an issue. I have personal experience with the regret of voting based on one issue. Of course the issue was part of my core beliefs of Freedoms we enjoy as American Citizens. However, the sense of security and safety is a core necessity for basic human needs and being. When anyone politicians or people perceived to be in power start playing with FEAR on the human psyche it is very troublesome. When people become afraid enough they exchange their Liberty to gain a feeling of security, which is usually false anyway. As Benjamin Franklin Said,"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." This can be the effect when FEAR is introduced to our thoughts. Some examples to think about on how fear has been used: 1) After 9/11 President Bush told the Country to go out and shop. He didn't want Fear to paralyze the economy. 2) The Patriot Act- Portions of this have been up for reauthorization, but has it made America Safe? 3) The drug crises, yes it is real and needs to be addressed, and has collateral effects that can harm first responders. Fear is such a strong emotion, I would argue that no problems could be solved from a stance of fear. Awareness and a healthy respect for possible consequences is much more beneficial. 4) Nuclear weapons, the Arms Race, and current situation in North Korea have the ability to produce heightened amounts of fear for good reason. What extents will the World go to in order to feel safe? Consider this very important quote:
“The means of defence agst. foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.”
I would propose that we put this context into a state or local context by thinking of it this way: " The means of defense and protection against other National events can be the instruments of tyranny at home. The home in this context is the locality we wish to live.
Concluding Remarks
Terroristic acts are becoming more prevalent in this great Country of ours. After attempts to stop and limit these events continue to take place from obscure small Texas towns to major metropolitan cities. Using fear as a tool to influence any type of out come from increasing productivity in a factory to electing someone to the Presidency of the United States is, in my opinion, morally reprehensible because it has the potential of making people sacrifice their Liberty for an illusion. It is a much more dangerous tactic than smear campaigns should it ever be employed in the electoral process.
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