It was suggested that I could strengthen the logic of my last article, “To Record or Not to Record; Is that the Question?”, by building on the principle that greater transparency helps to ensure accountability. The reason? It is in the individual’s self-interest to have more information about issues that are relevant to them and serves the common good to have more people who are better informed. A great suggestion hence this article which serves as a critical example.
Living within one's means has been a principle that has served me well as an individual. Not spending more than I have and not accumulating debt has allowed me personal freedom of choice during my whole adult life. I can't think of any reason why the same principle should not apply at the scale of town, city, county, state and country. With debt-driven inflation at historic levels for the country, and the eventual consequences to all US Citizens, it seems like at least at the local level we need to come to grips that debt is expensive as it inevitably entails interest. Long term debt means paying back at a huge cost. Better to simplify and economize and come together to be internally reliant than to rack up debt that will entail greater taxes. Thanks for raising the issue. I would like to get a copy of the Financial State of Jefferson County. Thanks.
"An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy."
-Thomas Jefferson
"... whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
-The Declaration of Independence
Jefferson and the Founding Fathers knew how important an educated citizenry was, which is why Franklin, perhaps, famously answered (probably) that the Constitutional Convention of 1787 had created "a Republic, if you can keep it."
Seems like we didn't, and left it to the rascals and scalawags. And so now we're left with the second quote. A messier path, it would seem, but I think that's what we're seeing now at the national level. Here locally? I agree. Much more may be possible at this level. And surely we can find a more grace-filled path?
When You Find Yourself in a Hole Stop Digging
Living within one's means has been a principle that has served me well as an individual. Not spending more than I have and not accumulating debt has allowed me personal freedom of choice during my whole adult life. I can't think of any reason why the same principle should not apply at the scale of town, city, county, state and country. With debt-driven inflation at historic levels for the country, and the eventual consequences to all US Citizens, it seems like at least at the local level we need to come to grips that debt is expensive as it inevitably entails interest. Long term debt means paying back at a huge cost. Better to simplify and economize and come together to be internally reliant than to rack up debt that will entail greater taxes. Thanks for raising the issue. I would like to get a copy of the Financial State of Jefferson County. Thanks.
Well stated. Two quotes come to mind.
"An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy."
-Thomas Jefferson
"... whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
-The Declaration of Independence
Jefferson and the Founding Fathers knew how important an educated citizenry was, which is why Franklin, perhaps, famously answered (probably) that the Constitutional Convention of 1787 had created "a Republic, if you can keep it."
Seems like we didn't, and left it to the rascals and scalawags. And so now we're left with the second quote. A messier path, it would seem, but I think that's what we're seeing now at the national level. Here locally? I agree. Much more may be possible at this level. And surely we can find a more grace-filled path?
Here's to that.
Pax
Yes stop digging! Good information here Jon.