There is a disease—a cancer if you will—that has infected America. Unfortunately it appears that it has spread to our community as well. This disease has many names but it has shown up as incivility, disrespect, and meanness. This disease has especially raised its ugly head during the recent uproar over the county budget and increased property taxes.
At the start let’s state the obvious—no one likes increased taxes. No one! And I think it is fair to let our elected officials know our opinions and feelings. But I do not think it is fair to let our opinions and feelings escalate into shouting and personal and mean-spirited attacks. Can we not disagree with one another and still be respectful? It would appear not.
If we are opposed to the decisions of our commissioners I think there are better responses than personal retribution, disrespectful newspaper columns and calls to boycott commissioners’ businesses. We live in a democracy; isn’t the better—in fact ultimate—response the ballot box?
Despite the fact that I am unhappy with property tax increases I appreciate the time and effort our elected officials give on behalf of the county. Do we really believe that our five commissioners are secretly colluding to “stick it to us?” I choose to think not. However, if you are unhappy and want a change then I would suggest the more respectful response would be to file and run for office the next time an election rolls around. And in the process leave the incivility, disrespect and meanness to the politicians in Washington, D.C. They seem to have it mastered.
Bob Carter
Grand Marais
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