From Tim Stocks
Brodhead
To the editor,
What is truth? Some time ago, during a particularly difficult period in my life, I asked a trusted friend that question. She was a college graduate and a respected professional in her field.
Her reply: "Truth is what most people believe to be true."
Today one could "Google it" and come up with page after page of definitions of truth but I believe my friend's answer is as succinct as one could get. And couldn't something similar be said of politics? Politics is the art of getting as many people as possible to believe what you say is truth. By that definition, everyone practices politics every day of their life.
Unfortunately, one of the casualties of politics is facts. Politicians on opposing sides will routinely throw facts out declaring those facts support their argument and they are speaking truth. So, evidently, a fact by itself means very little without thorough examination and interpretation. This is where we as voters can get into trouble.
In today's fast-paced world, we hardly have time to enjoy a meal with our family, play or read with our kids, visit Grandma, or go to church - all things we want to do but lack time or energy. How on earth can we find time to decipher today's political issues? Many will take the easy path and let others make up their mind for them - the unions, talk radio, TV ads, a friend, etc. Not wise, but empirically true.
The upcoming recall elections are about the taxpayers vs. the unions. It's estimated more than 40 million union dollars will be spent in Wisconsin before it's over. They're not concerned about "little Johnny or Sally" getting a good education, or jobs, or taxes - they're concerned about their power and hence money. It's about union dues and union members, not about children.
It's our job to be diligent about our children's welfare and education. Before voting this June, ask yourself some simple questions such as:
- Do I want to compensate teachers fairly? Or lavishly?
- Should the taxpayer or the union be in control of Public Schools?
- Is it OK to use my child as a political pawn?
- Do I want my child educated or indoctrinated?
- Do I have extra funds to pay more in taxes?
Vote wisely, you'll have to live with it - more importantly so will your children and grandchildren.
Brodhead
To the editor,
What is truth? Some time ago, during a particularly difficult period in my life, I asked a trusted friend that question. She was a college graduate and a respected professional in her field.
Her reply: "Truth is what most people believe to be true."
Today one could "Google it" and come up with page after page of definitions of truth but I believe my friend's answer is as succinct as one could get. And couldn't something similar be said of politics? Politics is the art of getting as many people as possible to believe what you say is truth. By that definition, everyone practices politics every day of their life.
Unfortunately, one of the casualties of politics is facts. Politicians on opposing sides will routinely throw facts out declaring those facts support their argument and they are speaking truth. So, evidently, a fact by itself means very little without thorough examination and interpretation. This is where we as voters can get into trouble.
In today's fast-paced world, we hardly have time to enjoy a meal with our family, play or read with our kids, visit Grandma, or go to church - all things we want to do but lack time or energy. How on earth can we find time to decipher today's political issues? Many will take the easy path and let others make up their mind for them - the unions, talk radio, TV ads, a friend, etc. Not wise, but empirically true.
The upcoming recall elections are about the taxpayers vs. the unions. It's estimated more than 40 million union dollars will be spent in Wisconsin before it's over. They're not concerned about "little Johnny or Sally" getting a good education, or jobs, or taxes - they're concerned about their power and hence money. It's about union dues and union members, not about children.
It's our job to be diligent about our children's welfare and education. Before voting this June, ask yourself some simple questions such as:
- Do I want to compensate teachers fairly? Or lavishly?
- Should the taxpayer or the union be in control of Public Schools?
- Is it OK to use my child as a political pawn?
- Do I want my child educated or indoctrinated?
- Do I have extra funds to pay more in taxes?
Vote wisely, you'll have to live with it - more importantly so will your children and grandchildren.
