I wish I had a nickel for every time Ive read or heard the following response to a citizen who has criticized or questioned a governmental body or official: If youre concerned, why dont you run for election, or volunteer to serve?
The response was offered again to New Glarus resident Peter Fox, who in Tuesdays edition of the Times was critical of the New Glarus school district for what he believes have been violations of the states open meetings laws.
I read Mr. Foxs letter but have noticed that he isnt running for a position on the NG school board this April, the reader commented. If he is so concerned with these matters, why doesnt he run for office? (cha ching!) That way he could make a difference from within instead up leveling accusations from the outside.
Every citizen, I believe, has a responsibility to participate in the process of governing. There are many ways one can participate.
Many people limit their involvement to voting. Some run for office, and govern. Others, like those of us in the news business, participate by informing the public about government processes and shaping opinions about them. Sometimes, in our better moments, we affect positive change in those processes.
It is absurd to imply that the only people with a right to criticize government, or who can make a difference in government, are those who are in government. Need I explain why?!
Mr. Fox, or anyone who offers criticisms for that matter, is not on the outside because he does not serve on the school board. He is very much on the inside, as he is a citizen impacted by the boards decision. Government works for him, not the other way around. He has the right, or rather a responsibility, to speak up when he sees something he believes is wrong.
The reader comment might be something youd expect to hear from a government official whos been criticized. Sadly, it seems that kind of response is coming more and more from average citizens, too.
Public watchdogs deserve praise, not scorn. They at least deserve to be listened to, rather than dismissed.
What do you think? Ive put a link to Mr. Foxs letter at the bottom of this posting. Id like to thank Chuck Phillipson for posting his own comment, which arrived as I was writing this blog. Obviously, Chuck, I agree with you.
The response was offered again to New Glarus resident Peter Fox, who in Tuesdays edition of the Times was critical of the New Glarus school district for what he believes have been violations of the states open meetings laws.
I read Mr. Foxs letter but have noticed that he isnt running for a position on the NG school board this April, the reader commented. If he is so concerned with these matters, why doesnt he run for office? (cha ching!) That way he could make a difference from within instead up leveling accusations from the outside.
Every citizen, I believe, has a responsibility to participate in the process of governing. There are many ways one can participate.
Many people limit their involvement to voting. Some run for office, and govern. Others, like those of us in the news business, participate by informing the public about government processes and shaping opinions about them. Sometimes, in our better moments, we affect positive change in those processes.
It is absurd to imply that the only people with a right to criticize government, or who can make a difference in government, are those who are in government. Need I explain why?!
Mr. Fox, or anyone who offers criticisms for that matter, is not on the outside because he does not serve on the school board. He is very much on the inside, as he is a citizen impacted by the boards decision. Government works for him, not the other way around. He has the right, or rather a responsibility, to speak up when he sees something he believes is wrong.
The reader comment might be something youd expect to hear from a government official whos been criticized. Sadly, it seems that kind of response is coming more and more from average citizens, too.
Public watchdogs deserve praise, not scorn. They at least deserve to be listened to, rather than dismissed.
What do you think? Ive put a link to Mr. Foxs letter at the bottom of this posting. Id like to thank Chuck Phillipson for posting his own comment, which arrived as I was writing this blog. Obviously, Chuck, I agree with you.
