It's all about privilege

There are times it is good to remember that we live in the United States, where we get to do things, say things and think things that are not tolerated in other parts of the world.

For instance, the Monday morning Carroll County Commissioners' meeting seemed like it would never end. The reporter covering the meeting thought she saw her life pass before her more than once during the marathon meeting, but it really didn't. (Too bad she wasn't sitting on a few pillows though.)

Each person and/or group who took the podium was graciously (okay, not so graciously in one case) given the opportunity to express their ideas, what they had accomplished or just what their opinion was about a variety of topics.

Some didn't even go up to the podium to exercise their right to speak. In fact, some didn't even bother to stand up from their seats to express their welcomed opinion.

And nobody shot them dead with a gun!

It is routine at council meetings for residents and county employees to appear and either answer questions or provide input and opinions. There has never been a case recorded in the annals of the Comet when someone was hung or shot or even maimed in some fashion because of what they said at a commissioners' meeting.

Or any meeting for that matter...and some of them have been pretty darned contentious!

County residents and interested individuals have the opportunity to enjoy the same privilege of hearing and then commenting about a proposed jail facility plan next week at the Canal Interpretive Center. We feel confident enough to say that we predict no one will suffer physical harm from the experience!

We get to do this - to participate - all the time! Because we live where we live, each and every time there is a public gathering, we get to be involved. How great is that!

It is probably a pain for our leaders sometimes. It would be easier for them to just do what they think is best without having to bother with the rest of us yakking it up about this or that, but that just isn't the way it is in the United States, in Carroll County, and we should be pretty glad about it!

So, John Q. and Susie P. Citizen, find out what's going on in the community this week (and every week) and feel free to exercise your constitutional right to learn, talk, interact and be part of the solution!