Let's Remember What We Are Trying to Do!

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Roslynne Reed

I think that some of the attacks I’ve seen recently against individuals and the severe wording used, hurts the cause more than it does the person. And for that, I must speak up.

While I understand the viewpoint of single-issue voters, in the overall scheme of things, it is not helpful and sometimes very destructive to the cause to focus on just one particular issue. I agree that opinions should be expressed, but it is very important to know the impact and possible injury to the overall cause. I think we need to ask ourselves where we are going with our criticism and its timing.

For example, what good are the attempts to help Lingle win? It’s like not voting because you didn’t think Obama fulfilled every promise he made on the campaign trail. It amounts to cutting off your nose to spite your face. I have not seen Lingle involved in anything that suggests he is against biomass. He has said he is personally against it because of health issues, but politically has to be for the jobs argument, which sounds like weasel wording. That is irresponsible.

Brenda has spoken against biomass as the Incinerator Free Mason County speaker at a forum, as a candidate, and numerous times in her blog. She has attended Commission meetings and spoke up on behalf of the people regardless of the people attending such meetings. I understand that people work, but that isn’t a total defense for not attending any meetings. Our elected officials need to be held accountable for all of their work and the only way that can happen is for the people to do so.

With respect to the actual problem, my husband and I probably understand the dangers of industrial pollution more than anyone I’ve met since our experience with the ASARCO Smelter arsenic poisoning in the early 80’s. With maybe the exception of Greg Helms’ experience on the East Coast, although I’m not aware that he has any permanent damage.

Additionally, as a previous candidate, I know that keeping your eye on the prize (winning), which is much more than a single issue, is extremely important. Almost any reasonable candidate should be expected to weigh the stands they take and not fall on their sword for a single one.

A few things I think are important to remember that should keep candidates on target (winning) is to cover as many of the issues as are manageable; remember you don’t have access to all the information the sitting electeds have; and realize you don’t know how big your army is. The major point to remember is, if you don’t win, none of it matters and you’re not in a position to help effectively. You’re just one voice. Despite what the Army says, there’s no such thing as an army of one.

In this race against the monster, ADAGE, people are either with us or against us. Our words and actions do matter. Let’s all be responsible and remember what we are trying to do.