Except it is a matter of ethics, morals, and Judeo-Christian principles and values that are being distorted, denigrated or censored, I have endeavored to be as apolitical as possible in my column. This does not mean that I have no political opinions and observations. Though I owe or swear no allegiance to any political party – neither Democratic, Republican, or Independent – as a Christian and free-thinker, I base my conclusions and give my support and vote to the candidates who I believe better represent who I am in my convictions, regardless of what their party affiliation might be.
When I read Larry Monahan, Jacorie McCall, and Alan McDaniel’s letters of dissent in the Letters to the Editor’s section of The Herald on January 11, 2018, it dawned on me that with the economic growth and increase of jobs coming to the area, there is also an increase in discrepancies, disputing and regrettably, at time of a little discord. Since no one person or group will always be on one accord about every issue, it is very logical to expect those of opposing views or convictions to disagree with discourse in defense of what they believe. I have always held to the opinion that one of the primary objectives of a journalist or columnist is to write or report the facts in a judicious and unbiased manner. Furthermore, they are in the business of provoking thought and discussion among the general population in hopes that it will lead to a wholesome debate that will produce a resolution or solution that all can live with and benefit from. We are badly mistaken to believe that in the affairs of human beings, who are finite, fickle, fragile, and very flawed, to expect anything perfect. Everything that we homo-sapiens construct, create, or devise, regardless of how fascinating and wonderful it might be, is in itself incomplete, imperfect, and there is room for improvement. This is the case for our educational system, political system, science and technology, medical and pharmaceutical, economy, industry, and every aspect of our culture, except Christian principles.
Throughout the history of humanity and our nation, there have always been growing pains when there was a paradigm shift, political and social revolution, or any significant change that blessed and benefitted the masses. History proves that before the signing of the Magna Carta, before Cornwallis surrendered to Washington, before the Emancipation Proclamation, or Appomattox, much pain and suffering had been imposed on all the parties involved. My allusion to the examples of history is not meant to incite hostilities, aggression, or any degree of rivalry that will lead to an actual civil war in Dillon County. Nevertheless, history does afford us with the facts that when and where people disagree on social, political, or any issue pertaining to the structure and governing of a community, there will almost always be debates, discourse, and regrettably divisions. Believe it or not, it is good for a growing community when people of opposing views can express them in a public forum or medium without becoming disagreeable, insulting, and downright hostile. It is a good and commendable thing when we can attack policies, practices, and injustices and not people, who oftentimes are just doing their job or what they believe to be right. God forbid that any of us ever allow ourselves to become so critical or cynical of others until in our eyes, they can do nothing good. Conversely, we must guard against becoming so charmed, captivated, and supportive of those we have endorsed and voted for so much so that when they are obviously impudent and in error, we still give them our approval and applause. If we are to keep our elected officials honest and mindful of who they were set in office to represent, as well as free from bribes, bias, nepotism, and the usage of their elected position to advance an agenda that wreaks of selfishness and corruption, we must remain fair in our assessment of their policies and decisions and be as willing and eager to commend them when they are right as we were to criticize them when they are wrong, in our estimation.
I have come to believe that when there is discourse and debate on any issue by two opposing and opposite parties, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle. Then it is possible for both parties to be right, but from a different perspective or both to be wrong in their opinion and argument. In regard to the three letters that were written to the editor that I cited at the beginning of my column, I am of the opinion that there is a need for a response from someone with an opposing view that we may have a balance on this issue that they gave their critical analysis and opinion concerning.
The pendulum must swing in order for people who are apolitical and neutral may hear both sides of the debate and therefore draw their own conclusions about the matter. Too often people sit in apathy and silence about social or political issues that will have an effect on them either for the better or worse, when they need to speak out and voice their opinion. It is always in a multitude of diverse views and voices that a practical solution can be found for most issues and problems. Thank God that we have passed the age when Dillon County was quietly progressing, to the benefit of a few at the expense and retardation of the overwhelming majority. Regrettably, there is a remnant of the old order, who wish that things were as they used to be, as well as a few who are striving in a very crafty way to replace the old monarchs of manipulation and exploitation that time and death dethroned. These would-be-Caesars have failed to learn a lesson from history or from the ones they seek to replace. Time and chance happen to all men and change is an unstoppable force of nature, like the winds of a hurricane and waves of the ocean.
Ultimately, they will prevail over all barriers and opposition that seek to hinder or stop their right of preeminent domain. We are truly living in some very exciting and intriguing days right here in Dillon County that have finally begun to “Come Alive on 95”. Economic growth, as well as greater employment opportunities have come upon us. Will we be able to handle our projected prosperity and the growing pains that are already an accompanying factor without killing it ourselves through our differences? That chapter is pending and waiting to be written.
