Jeff Barron offered an opinion in the Sept. 20th Press. Mr. Barron spoke for the civil service community. He claims, school board members, council representatives, and volunteer fire fighters are under "relentless" attacks. He further states, "when individuals use false accusations, lawsuits, and public smear campaigns as weapons ... [and] every time a community servant is slandered, it sends a message." He concludes with, "let's not allow the actions of one or two to silence the spirit of many."
The volunteers of whom he speaks are a subculture of commissions, boards, and committees appointed by the City or County electeds, or voted for by the public. These "volunteers" are the promoters of agendas and actions. According to Barron, these volunteers must not be questioned. So much for freedom of speech.
Finally, I will counter Mr. Barron with, "First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me - and there has no one left to speak for me" attributed to Martin Niemöller. Niemöller was imprisoned in concentration camps from 1937-1945. The above quote has become a symbol of the dangers of indifference and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
The core message remains a refection on personal and collective complicity through silence.
To join in on the dialog, contact sheridanclash@gmail.com.