Taxation without Representation
A guest editorial by Mark A. Palmer
What has happened to no taxation without representation? It was the essential basis of our government at one time. These words once stood for people being represented by their elected officials but not so much anymore. Too many officials have their own agendas these days. We see this by our state leaders compromising our state laws, so they do not have deal with over crowing of jails, etc.Voices have cried out asking our elected officials; where is Democracy, Liberty and Freedoms to our City, County and State Leadership?
In Charlotte, city council members are arguing that Mayor Pat McCrory's role on the Metropolitan Transit Commission does not represent city council.
Interesting, Mayor Pat McCrory is employed by Duke Power Company and light rail runs off electricity. Sure, that would not influence Mayor Pat McCrory. With the cost of light rail, climbing constantly and public outcry ignored. Charlotte citizens wanted to honor Mayor McCrory for his leadership with light rail. It has become known as the “McCrory Line.”
Council members Anthony Foxx, Michael Barnes, Susan Burgess, and Nancy Carter have been questioning role of Mayor Pat McCrory. This should have been a question from the beginning -- and why now. Could it have to do that council members are looking for somebody blame for recent light rail mess and overruns? They should be looking at themselves as well.
Present city council members and past city council members have passed everything for light rail, and have never questioned anything until now!
The John Locke Foundation did a Town Meeting about the dangers of light rail, which a couple of city council members listened to; as two of the top knowledgeable transit people spoke about light rail. They shared in detail problems of cost, budget overruns, flaws, etc.
Council members Susan Burgess and Nancy Carter attended the John Locke Town Meeting. Interestingly, they did not question Mayor Pat McCrory then. If they represented the people instead of personal agendas, things would be different.
We hear about other issues that representatives consider more important than the needs of those that voted them into office. Our representatives disburse thousand of dollars for meetings, delegations, and development. Our representatives are allowing the rape of our heritage. It is time to count-- our voices need be heard continually to our state, town, county, and school leadership. Our elected officials need to comprehend that term "Political Correctness" which means "Poor Choice.”
City Council, County Commissioners, School Board, State Officials do not get it! They do not provide what Charlotte really needs. The State, City, County, and School officials keep citizens in this mess with their lack of leadership. They give the illusion that issues and problems are resolved but they are not.
This brings us to the million dollar question -- where is representation in taxation and what can we do? People of Charlotte can hold our elected officials responsible for their actions and votes. We can use our voices always enforce positive change and question our elected officials.
Prompt our government reagrding true democracy and freedom. One way to accomplish this goal, is to ban together and make our representatives focus on getting our City, Neighborhoods, and Municipal needs met. Our "Fore Fathers of Charlotte,” accomplished their goals by putting their lives on the line for,” The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.” How many of today's leaders in Charlotte would even imagine doing so?
Charlotte leaders are at their crossroads; please remind them about Democracy, Liberty, and Freedom to our City, County, and State that there should be no taxation without representation!
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