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S.E. Wood Misplaced loyalty Last week the Sparta-White County Chamber
of Commerce invited a representative of the governor's office,
a Mr. Justin Wilson, to speak in support of the administration's
budget and taxation programs. A doctor's appointment kept me
from attending, so my comments henceforth come from generally
reliable second-hand sources. It is my understanding that Wilson's defense
of the governor's program was understandably weak. He offered
the usual Sundquist need for tax reform (pronounced tax increase),
while dodging probing questions with, "I'm glad you asked
that." Or, "Well, you certainly have the right to ask
that." Then he would proceed without ever answering the
questions being presented - a behavior not uncommon in political
circles. But Wilson may have unwittingly presented
our community with a valuable lesson. One of our Democrat-leaning
county commissioners is said to have expressed astonishment that
Republicans in the audience really tore into Wilson's presentation,
even though he represented the office and the policy of our Republican
governor, Don Sundquist. The lesson to be learned is that the selection
of our elected representatives should be based upon their stand
on the issues, and our evaluation of those already elected should
be based upon their performance in office. Not on personalities.
Not on party loyalties. But upon what they say and what they
have done relative to the issues that affect the lives of each
of us. For that, Mr. Wilson, we thank you. And we will keep your lesson in mind as another election year approaches. · · · |