 On The Line -- Issue 606 -- October 27, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 606 -- October 27, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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As the year draws into its final months many people begin examining what it has brought and/or taught them and start to anticipate the customs of November and December, and wonder what 2007 portends for them
Autumn on the Central Coast is a beautiful time of year although it lacks the sharp definition of seasons common to the Midwest and East. Still, its warmer weather is a decided asset. In fact, the weather this October has been warmer than in those of years past. As late as October 24, the temperature hit 82, and days preceding it have shown temperatures at least seven to 10 degrees above normal. Whether or not it is a precursor to future Octobers no one can say. Yet, some weather experts have predicted longer droughts and higher temperatures for most of this century and heavier periods of rain in some parts of the world. Global warming takes on greater significance than it once did. But for all that, we are more concerned with the next two months. November will include the solemn and bittersweet memories of those who wore the country's uniform in peace or war during the Veterans' Day services, and the happier tradition of Thanksgiving with its feasts and reunions. December is all about Christmas and the glad sense of becoming more the persons we were meant to be even if just for a short, fleeting time. It is the most anticipated and best celebration in the final week of the year. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, many residents will take part in the annual Community dinners that were started by Marland Holte. This will be the first ones without him as he died earlier this fall. But before any of those observances, poignant or joyful, will come the elections on Nov. 7. Mid-term elections generally have a lower turnout than those in which a President is elected do. However, this year is expected to see a higher ratio of voters going to the polls than usual. The reasons are many: the war in Iraq, the greater threat of global terrorism, the economy, immigration policies, and what seems to be a growing uneasiness that the quality of life in the United States is not what it used to be or what it should be. Dominance of the United States House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate is at stake. Scandals and proven corruption in some instances have contributed to the uneasiness. Neither major party is perfect and both have problems that need addressing. But elections cover more ground than just the federal level. Municipal races, county elections and state offices are the backbone of our everyday life and need responsible people who are willing to listen to other points of view to fill them. This column is not to urge anyone to vote for specific candidates or measures. Most aspirants for office are evident by their character, past record and platforms. Much of the proposed legislation also needs little reasoning for its passage or defeat. This column, however, is a plea or at least a suggestion that registered voters make their choices wisely. Whoever, or whatever, the majority chooses may be in place for years and will certainly affect the quality of our lives beyond that. That may sound simplistic but it does not mean it is simple. Supposing, for example, that voters out of hand reject a tax measure because we are taxed enough. Some measures do invite rejection because they are for the special interests of a few. But, continuing the example, the tax increase is for a special purpose such as a hospital addition, a project to build a school or needed infrastructure. Then it requires careful thought with the voter weighing its benefits and other factors such as the cost of building it five or 10 years from now rather than next year. Candidates for office, on any level, also demand the consideration of what they will do in office and to what higher office they may some day attain if they are successful now. Even if they stay in whatever position they new seek, incumbency may give them momentum for re-election. We want high-caliber people to represent us because our elected officials are often besieged with decisions on the way to vote on an issue that will do the most good for the most people. Every person running for office the first time entertains a vision of really representing the public in office. Many, perhaps most, retain at least part of that view and do their best in the job to which they were elected. But passage or defeat of any proposition before an elected body demands a majority. Even the most strong-willed individual will need the support of other office-holders to push through a project that he feels is important. Those who honestly want to serve the public find when elected that many of their problems come from the public. They may not have considered that while campaigning but reality sets in after they take the oath of office. It may be distressing for a newly elected official to realize that some citizens who attend meetings will strongly disagree with their decision or even the reasoning by which they realized it, and will not be hesitant in telling why. That is where integrity comes in. The official must stand by his beliefs in making the decision even if it proves unpopular with the general public. Whether he prevails or not, the public can discern if he is acting from principle or from other reasons. The public may deplore or laud an official's decisions but ill respect him if he is acting from conviction. Those who surrender their views too easily in the face of opposition soon have no credibility even if they vote the popular way. When you go to the polls on Nov. 7, remember that you are part of an elite minority. Some persons never register to vote and many who do decide for one reason or another that it won't matter if they skip one or two elections. The job falls to you. Here is a good tip before filling out your absentee ballot or before pulling the curtains of the voting booth shut on Election Day. Vote for your grandchildren's benefit because decisions you make now may affect them for years. If you do not have children or grandchildren, vote for those of a relative or close friend. They may never know the beneficence you felt for them but they may profit from it many years from now. |
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