TSI ONLINE POLL
| 14 July 2010
With another celebration of our nation’s independence fresh in my mind, we were given cause to reflect on how the fight for one’s individual liberty was forced to rage on long after the final cannon fired in 1783.Some 60 years later, another revolution took place, this time in Providence, R.I., led by state legislator Thomas Dorr to establish voting rights for the states poorest citizens, as the current law left more than 85 percent of the adult population out of the political process.
Long story short, it’s amazing what 3,000 supporters and two stolen cannons could accomplish in 1842. To say it’s sad that something that defines our nation as a democracy is now taken for granted is a woeful understatement... but you can change that on Aug. 5.
You can change a lot of things that day. You have a say in the direction taken in the halls of congress, state capital, and perhaps most importantly in county and city governments.
Your vote will decide the future of a child’'s education in local school board races. A vote cast this August can also make a bigger, if only symbolic statement. By stepping up to the ballot box you can strike a blow against a voter apathy that has been far too prevalent in our community in recent years.
And the list of things in need of change has never been longer. Massive tax rates and ballooning debt are the things we all talk about, with a looming wheel tax it’s hard to talk about much else, but where we we truly need change is mindset.
We must look at the changing world around us and respond accordingly. Individuals wishing to serve with a long term vision, while understanding they’re on a short term leash to begin that process. Any party seeking your vote should be able to return to you over four years and show what they have accomplished with your support for the betterment of your community. We believe you’re owed that.
One week ago today we honored not only the birth of a nation, but the local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the rights and principals that nation was founded on. Don’t allow that sacrifice to be in vain. Exercise your most basic and fundamental right. Early voting begins July 16 through July31. General election is Aug. 5.













John E. Hall