Aug. 14, 2003

                                              Reinhold Niebuhr 1892 –1971

To paraphrase Winston Churchill: Many forms of government have been tried, and no one pretends that democracy is perfect. And, perhaps democracy is the worst form of Government, except for all other forms that have been tried.

Will the State of California's Governor Gray Davis eventually end up testing the passion of his constituents for democracy?  As I sit on the eve of a historical event, the possible removal of a sitting governor, I ask myself could this be one of democracy’s finest hours? Can the majority of the people be heard as one voice, or will special interest groups, and ego driven candidates muffle the sound of the mass?   In my lifetime I recall President Nixon, Vice President Agnew and even President Clinton, to a certain degree, all heard that loud cry of one voice.   

 Democracy is not an easy form of government, it is loud and often times abusive, nasty and overbearing to the minority. Your neighbor can think your point of view is brainless, and theirs is clear-cut. They might challenge you like they were a thoroughbred, with the fervor of Seabiscuit heading for the finish line, deeming your opinion wrong.  But a true autonomous state must allow despicable even disrespectful opinions, that threaten your way of life, to be heard, debated and finally judged by the electorate. That is freedom. That is democracy.

I appreciate the loyal Democratic leaders' pleas against their candidate’s removal. What I don’t understand is the special interest groups objection to the procedure to let the people decide.  And, some of the "talking heads" trying to generate fear in the people by screaming this recall procedure is setting a precedent, and could lead to anarchy.  I believe honest dissention among the different party leaders, not persuasion through terror tactics by special interest groups, or talking heads with their personal agendas, is what our forefathers wanted for this country.  Ultimately, for the people should be determined by the people to be called democracy. 

Perhaps this day in politics is long overdue.  I believe Politicians, regardless of their political affiliations, should be held accountable for their actions. If they don’t do what they say, without a rational explanation, they should face their constituents for requital.  Some elected officials feel once in the office it becomes a lifetime career, with the sole goal of maintaining personal power.  I understand how a politician, in this day of media excess, could become seduced by the power of the office, instead of respecting the position in the office, so to give it the power. However,  If we as everyday taxpayers do not comply with the law of the land we are subject to punishment.  For that simple reason perhaps this recall procedure is indeed a look into finding a better way of governing for the people. 

 So, apart from  your party affiliation remember we still have choices. This still is a free land and the only way to keep it free is WE THE PEOPLE express ourselves with our vote. 

 For the people living outside the state of California I suggest you watch this recall election with great interest as it just might be the threshold in requiring our elected officials to serve all the people, and not just the chosen few. 

(c) 2003 by Mopam Publishing

Another Perspective     Aug. 7, 2003  by Morris Heldt 

Is Time A Measurement, Or Symbol?  6/2/03    by Morris Heldt   

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Hypocrites  8/16/02   by Morris Heldt 

When Is Why The Answer To Who, What, Where and When?  7-22-02 by Morris Heldt

The Ultimate Battle April 12, 2002  by Morris Heldt