Our founding fathers, who specifically did NOT want this type of democracy for our country, shied away from Greece’s pattern which Aristotle was the first to describe as “mob rule.” They chose instead the “republic” as a form of government. When leaving the Constitutional Congress, Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government we had, and he replied, “A republic, if we can keep it.”

Right now, we have a lot of work to do. What must be done to get back our Republic is to elect leaders who can make good decisions, to hire educated men to come up with a variety of good plans for various areas set aside for growth, and who have the guts to make a decision, as best they can, for the good of all of the people of the islands. This will mean that on occasion, they will have to stand up to a “mob” of people who got their small group together to protest and do the right thing in spite of the mob.

The current system of public meetings seems to me to be set up only for legitimizing plans that have been made ahead of time, but given approval because “public meetings” were held. For instance, Howard Rosenfeld’s alleged statement of “the public must be okay with the proposed changes if no one showed up” (see Feb. 08 issue) when referring to increasing fees, does not reflect doing the best for the people but indicates more a methodology of doing what one can get away with.

On the other hand, President Bush has done a great job standing tough, when all the left and media said the War on Terror in Iraq was hopeless. (See story below) You can tell by the total silence in the press, that things are going really well over in Iraq.

Another person who has taken a proactive stand is Councilman Rich Peterson. He met with his district to find out their concerns and will seek to address them. John Evans used to do this on Orcas also. Getting away from the media view of things and finding out what the people really need and hope for....keeping in touch with the people is of utmost importance.

This year we have an opportunity to elect many new leaders for our county and our state. Current County Council members Kevin Ranker, Howard Rosenfeld, and Alan Lichter are all up for re-election. The governor’s position is up for re-election also, as are both the state and national House of Representatives’ positions.

If we want to help keep our Republic, now is the time to step up and be on the front lines, circumventing the liberal national press (MSNBC.com identified 142 journalists who donated to political campaigns...89% of those gave to Democrats or to liberal causes) and telling the people the truth of what is going on. We have to be more pro-active than ever this coming election year. Be a part of taking the country back; be a part of change. It is time for the next generation to do their part, too. You will be needed this year to talk to your friends & neighbors. Work your email network. Then I believe we can make the changes that will promote liberty, and “keep” our Republic.

CindyCarter