Lisbon Maine Councilors Silence Their Subjects

 

 

 

 

Some of you may feel that Councilors censoring speech at public Council Meetings is acceptable. You may think that it is a necessary restriction that makes the Councilor’s job easier by reducing the length of Council Meetings.

 I feel the harm caused by taking the public’s voice out of the governing process is much greater than any benefit gained.

•     The public's voice is often used as  a tool to refine the legislative process. public comments often point out potential problems with proposed legislation.

•     Public input lends an air of legitimacy to the process.  The more people involved in the decision making the greater the likelihood the public will accept the new regulation.

•     The more people involved in the process the less the likelihood of corruption. Corruption thrives when opposition is silenced.

•     If you want legislation that reflects the will of the people you first need to know their will.

   

•     Eliminating public debate gives the false impression of agreement to those watching on Cable Television.  We don’t need our Councilors manipulating opinion by regulating the press. (we get enough of that on the government sponsored networks)

    We don’t want Councilors making life altering decisions for us  without first listening to our views.  We don’t want or need Dictators telling us what is best for us. We aren't children that need parental guidance.  Whats next --- raising our hands to be excused for bathroom breaks?

Our forefathers felt so strongly about freedom of speech that they made it the first amendment to our Constitution. Evidently Lisbon's Councilors feel they are better versed in the art of governance than George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

The freedom to speak freely at Council Meetings is the most effective tool we have to keep our Councilors honest.   We all know power corrupts.  Many great Statesman have been corrupted by power. Our Councilors are not immune from the corrupting influence of power.

If you are as concerned as I am about the elimination of your voice in local government Call or E-mail your Councilors.  

 (Click Here For Councilor Contact Information)

 
 Ask them what they gain by silencing us.  I think their silence will be deafening.

Respectfully
LisbonMaine.net
Joe Hill