by Laura Condon
When I read your editorial “The ‘Say Nay Kids’” I, too was shocked…shocked that the editors would be so aghast that some 372 people would vote a position different than their own. There was a ballot question and voters had the opportunity to vote yes or no and you cannot tolerate the idea that some people would actually use that “no” box?
I actually voted in favor of allowing the school district to accept gifts. I read the question and I gave thought to my vote. But your question has made me wonder if I gave it thought enough.
Why would someone vote against accepting “gifts”? Ever hear of reciprocity? Maybe corruption would ring a bell? We all have heard plenty of concern with elected officials having accepted gifts, or campaign contributions as some are called. Could wealthy businesses, industry or politicians influence governmental policy with gift giving? There are very good reasons that there are laws in place to regulate gifting; it is never something that should be accepted mindlessly.
What could be so controversial with regard to school issues that someone wouldn’t want to accept a “gift”? Well perhaps you haven’t read the other letters with regard to the high school’s International Baccalaureate program.
But maybe these thoughtful voters had something else in mind. Maybe they are much distressed with the wild spending spree with which our federal government is engaged. Such wild spending on a personal or business level would surely result in bankruptcy. The concern that bankruptcy could happen on a national level is a legitimate concern. Maybe many more should be hollering “no”. Saying “yes” and spending, spending, spending is easy to do. It’s the saying “no” that takes discipline. It obviously garners harsh public criticism as well.
Some folks may not contact their elected officials with their concerns about this massive overspending. But with one little check of a “no” box their voice will be heard. And heard it most certainly has been. It got the attention of the Bedford Journal Editorial staff and now that little “no” vote has gotten my attention and the attention of many other readers, I am sure.
It may very well be that those “no” voters have demonstrated thoughtful rejection rather than thoughtless acceptance. And such thoughtfulness begs the question, “How could you accept a gift?” Nothing would be expected in return. Right? Right?