What happened to Democracy?
In Deerfield on a recent Monday, a rabble of Birkenstocks sought to bring the convenience and expense of urban living to the idyllic backdrop of a rural town. The goal this time was to build a huge new second library, and connect it to the current library, which would be renovated as well.
A few misguided souls tried to speak up amidst the throng, and were treated as enemies. To speak out means you have to begin by apologizing for doing anything other than nodding and affirming the collective. This is freedom now.
The proponent of the project was asked four times for the cost before she could stammeringly admit to a range of $4 to 8 million. This project — without a budget, a final plan, a start or completion date — HAD to be moved forward, it was said. For if we waited, the grant-masters in Boston could become angry and bestow their largesse (our tax dollars) upon someone else. This is government now.
Ironically, more people sat at home watching on television and felt helpless to change this course than those who voted to set it. I watched as well — reality TV at its finest. A tax bill is your ticket to the show. Why do people wonder that young people are not actively engaged in our local democracy? We do not have one.
Robert Paulsen
Deerfield