Democracy. How much time do any of us spend really thinking about the true meaning of this word? In the name of “democracy” throughout the ages, lives have been built and destroyed. War and peace, hope and despair all occur. Men and women spend long periods of time separated from their loved ones; some never come home. Our families and our Town are impacted by events far from our shores. All to what end?
One might wonder why I am writing about this today. It has been weighing on my mind for some time. Maybe it’s the years spent as a Navy daughter, spouse, and mother or watching the WWII Antique Veterans prepare for a funeral … listening to the Parade Committee’s plans for honoring our veterans … receiving an email recently from one of our soldiers in Iraq who is using the Town and local newspapers’ websites to stay in touch with home ... or talking with several children last week whose father has been deployed on a submarine for some months. So often we seem to take our “inalienable rights” for granted.
Originating from ancient Greece to designate a type of government where the people are directly involved in the government’s activities versus governments controlled by a single individual or class, the definition of democracy has been expanded to describe a philosophy. That philosophy places a high value on the equality of individuals and self determination.
Colchester’s men and women can be found throughout the world, far from home, working to spread our democratic principles. Let’s show our appreciation for their efforts and do our part by actively keeping democracy alive here, in their town. You have two opportunities this month. Attend the Town Meeting on May 6th and the Referendum on May 13th to vote on the budget. Whether you are voting for or against, just the act of voting is a show of support. Sir Winston Churchill said, “At the bottom of all the tributes paid to democracy is the little man walking into the little booth with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper. No amount of rhetoric or voluminous discussion can possibly diminish the overwhelming importance of that point.”
For more information on the budget and general town information, check out our website at www.colchesterct.gov
See you at Town Hall next Tuesday night, 7:00 p.m.!
Sincerely,
Linda
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