Hello, All.
Politics.
Poli means ‘many’. Tics are disgusting, blood-sucking insects that can make you sick if you don’t get them off of you quickly.
Politicians?
The attached is from the County Executive’s office. It notifies us of a telephone Town Hall Meeting to be held this evening. There are opportunities to participate; register by 7:30 last night (note the time of the Exec’s email) or by 11:00 this morning.
I believe this is a critical juncture in the growth of Prince George’s County. We want our schools and our school system to be on par with the surrounding jurisdictions. And it is a given (I hope) that we want to enjoy the unmitigated fruits of citizenship we used to take for granted – the right to vote. Mr. Baker and Friends have decided that what they cannot do at the ballot box can be accomplished by legislative fiat. They are engaging in the type of political skullduggery that has been witnessed in what we used to consider sleazy places.
There are many people who feel strongly that our schools and the school system has to change. That is laudable and encouraging. They should craft and present their arguments to the residents of Prince George’s County. After a period of discussion and debate (hallmarks of a democracy), it can be put to the vote.
In 1775, Ben Franklin said “Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”. That is the decision we have to make now. The ‘vote’ for the possibility of ‘improved schools’ (it is not a given).
If the Baker Administration and our democratically elected Legislative Representatives truly believe that it is right to vacate the results of elections and appoint Political Managers, then I have a proposal they should leap on. The County has a problem with crime, the County has a problem with poverty, the County has a problem with infrastructure, the County has a problem with sensible growth and development. I work for the Federal Government as do many Prince George’s County residents. What would the Baker Administration and Friends say to the Federal Government taking over Prince George’s County? Sound absurd? Yes, it does. Undemocratic? Absolutely. Think Baker and Friends are willing to cede power for the better good of the County? I bet they would not.
Prince George’s County is on a slippery slope. What will be the next crisis that precipitates the need for the State to overrule our votes? We Prince Georgians are cash cow for Annapolis. And unfortunately, we are viewed as a dependable vote (as in ‘where else are you going to go?’).
To me, the right to vote is sacred. No matter how righteous the reason, I cannot abide invalidating our vote. Too many people have given too much for it to be casually (or seriously) cast aside.
Please let the Administration, the Legislature and your Fellow Prince Georgians know where you stand and that you will vote when the politicians run for office again.
Have a great day.
Joe Brice
The basic text of the announcement in lieu of attachment:
On Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 7:30 p.m., Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III will conduct a Telephone Town Hall with County residents regarding his proposal for Integrated School Governance of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). Residents who wish to participate may email the Office of County Executive at countyexecutive@co.pg.md.us by 11 am on Tuesday. Please use “Telephone Town Hall” in subject line and include your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached at 7:30 on Tuesday to participate in the call. In addition to those who request to be included by contacting the Office of the County Executive, several thousand County residents also will be invited to participate in this discussion. Residents who’d like to offer written testimony about the proposal to the Prince George’s House delegation need to send an e-mail to pg2@mlis.state.md.us by Wednesday.