 By Mike Holman March 04, 2009
In fact there was an effort to gather signatures on such a petition. A number of long time Ketchikan residents who share Mr. Hofeling's concerns gathered signatures for approximately two weeks. During this time more than 700 signatures were obtained. The petition was presented to the Ketchikan Borough Assembly at the beginning of its meeting on March 2nd. It will soon be presented to the Ketchikan City Council. A copy of the petition is attached to this letter. Another recent letter published on SitNews, this one written by Mr. Al Johnson, inspired me to review the writings of some of our "founding fathers". During the gathering of signatures I found courage in the following: "A wise and frugal government ... shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." -- Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801 "We still find the greedy
hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice
of industry, and grasping at the spoil of the multitude. Invention
is continually exercised to furnish new pretenses for revenue
and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none
to escape without a tribute." I cannot say I know much more than the rest of you about either of these men. I'm sure they were imperfect. Nevertheless, I would like to think that if they had said these things in my presence I might have bought a round for the house. Sincerely, Mike Holman
Related:
Received March 04, 2009 - Published March 04, 2009
Related Viewpoint:
Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews. Your full name, city and state are required for publication.
|
