The peanut gallery needs to speak up or shut up
I've had numerous readers, friends and acquaintances ask me where the opposition to the levy is and why it is not present in the media. Well, it's difficult to print the opinions of those who oppose an issue if no one wants to go on the record to discuss their feelings against the issue. (That means a name and profanity free statement, for those of you wondering.)
If you have something to say, why not just say it, which has always been what I try to do. And, if you know me, there is really not much "trying" to that statement. But it seems like for many in our communities it is much easier to sit on the sidelines, whisper and then grumble loudly. But I ask you if that is really easier? Is it better to be silent to the powers that be and then live with the consequences of a levy passage or failure?
In an article by Kyle Valentini this week, the recent Dover rally for the levy was held at the middle school. Of the estimated 80 people attending, not one person voiced opposition. Not one person. That says one of two things: everyone in the community supports the proposed 6.3 mill bond issue or no one wanted to attend and voice their opposition. I tend to believe the latter. The easy way out is usually the one most chosen.
The final thing many Doverites have told me is that the current levy committee and, more importantly, the Dover administration have their minds already made up and don't want to hear any other ideas from community members. Maybe this is true, especially if no one is willing to attend a meeting and express his or her feelings. Can you blame administrators for moving forward on a plan if they hear no opposition in the meetings they've had? Comments from the proverbial peanut gallery really don't count. If you can't stand up for your beliefs and voice it in a public forum, how can you expect to be taken seriously?
***
Well, the biggest event of August, so far, and I didn't feel it. There was an earthquake and I missed it. This from a person who prefers to run outside in a storm to watch the sky in search of tornadoes, lightning and then the rainbow didn't feel the earth shake.
In a Bruce Stambaugh article, many people in Holmes County have stated they felt the power of the earth's plates shifting but not me. I was in our Millersburg office attending an online webinar. I guess those Amish-built office buildings can withstand a great deal—even an earthquake.
***
As I write this, it's less than 24 hours before the first football game of the season. It's hard to believe that it is pigskin time again for some of the best high school players in the state. I am looking forward to attending games to support our local teams. With a son in the Dover Marching Tornadoes band, I will be a little one-sided on the team I support, and especially which band. (Go Trumpets!)
I urge you to get out and attend games and school events. We have many great programs for local athletes and musicians. Even the support groups, such as the athletic clubs, booster clubs and others devote many hours of work into the fall sports season. For some sports, the season has already begun, but there's still more soccer and volleyball games, as well as golf matches to be played. It's a great time to show your support and enjoy the late summer nights. I'll see you at the game, probably on the sidelines.
Published: August 24, 2011
