A political friend wrote to me on the rail issue and Mayor Daniels stand against using those federal dollars. Quoting the New York Times article, he asked:
"Is there more to this strategy? Or is our best hope for change based on the martyrdom of political kamikazes?
My reply as all too often, was a curt
"Won't matter in a couple years anyhow".
That was Christmas morning.
Looking back at the question again, I decided it warranted a better reply. First of all, the sender is a very good conservative ally, and secondly, is likely to ascend to higher office in the foreseeable future.
I felt he needed a better explanation.
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I replied again:
"You know, I was pretty short on this with my first reply.
If Daniels and the other 4 on the council who voted with her were to have said "Hey we think these are wrong, but we'll vote for jobs", then does the message that they have ever get out? If they dither on the issues such as this how could they advance even the smaller ones?
The news cycle is full of exhibition. Been a part of it all too often, and realize that rational thought alone does not grab attention. Titillation, and extreme action (or the appearance anyhow) is what makes the front page.
Having said that, it was not what Daniels wanted I am sure. (the front page angle) She believes as I do, that these projects come at an incalculable cost. One of money and liberty, and if she does nothing, then the next guy does nothing, and so on. Somewhere, there has to be a person (or persons) of moral certitude, who understand that it is WRONG to continue to abuse the taxpayer in this manner.
And as for these things creating jobs? Sure they do. On one side of the equation anyhow. But first they must destroy them by taking the ability for us to grow our own businesses through oppressive taxation, regulating us into using such modes of transportation, and stealing our property to do it. For our own good.
As we all know, there is no free money.
There is a saying that I had not really understood til now: "Don't piss down my back and tell me its raining."
Indeed.
Strategy? Speak the truth, and act the truth. Make the best argument, and demonstrate that words and deeds can go hand in hand. There is no winning the game of opinion if one acts against his own position. Some may contend that advancement of position is necessary to advance ideas, but I question what happens to those ideas if they are weakened by ongoing hypocrisy?
Janice Daniels will be fighting the media, and chamber groups, as I am, and will be fighting them here. Right now there needs to be a whole lot more of these mayors in America.
J"
And we will be following up on this in the future.
In the meantime, for those of you who voted for Janice Daniels as mayor? You are the truest patriots. As much as she is, for taking the stand that needs to be taken.
