In politics, truth still matters
By: Steve Trubilla
Just about all problems, big and small, can be traced back to someone lying. It is true of people, and nations. Wars are fought because someone simply did not keep their word, and/or knowingly said things that were not true about someone.
At the highest levels of our government, when people are caught lying, they invoke the 5th Amendment, or just refuse to answer, and it is accepted.
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, in my opinion, clearly lied about knowingly compromising classified material. The FBI director said as much when he testified before Congress. Yet the polls show many do not care that she lied.
So you do not think she lied? That means you believe a graduate of Wellesley College, Yale; a lawyer, former Senator, and Secretary of State did not know how to handle classified material, or understand basic government administration. I can tell you a 17-year-old U.S. Marine private gets the class in boot camp, and he knows what will happen if he does not handle classified material properly. The acceptance of lying by our society today calls into question if telling the truth is valued and matters.
There is much talk about voters being disenfranchised. What really disenfranchises voters is voter fraud. It is much more than voter ID. Fraud, by definition is deceit, trickery, sharp practice, perpetrated for profit or to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage.
Last week in Larry Marciniak's column, "Telling the Truth," I read yet another story attacking Republican North Carolina State Senator Chad Barefoot. Often I am asked why I do not respond to such articles. My reply is, for the most part, his column is a running ad for the Democrat Party. Weekly, it is about the same. Says the Republicans are all radicals and the people need to be saved from them. Know it so well I could write it for him.
By the way, if we were going to be saved by the Democrats it should have happened by now. They have been running Franklin County, North Carolina since Reconstruction.
In his column, he states as fact Senator Barefoot is ignoring Franklin County. This is patently not true. Marciniak knows how visible, active, and successful the Senator has been for the people of Franklin County. Facts notwithstanding, he gets to state his opinion, in his column, just like I do. His purpose is to gain some unfair political advantage.
For the record, I mean if we are going to be "Telling the Truth" and all. Here are some specific things your North Carolina State Senator has taken on while in office working with others and "accomplished." Not just for Republicans, but for everyone. Some of these things others attempted for decades, and could not get them done.
State policy that benefits Franklin County for the hospital; included in the 2016-17 budget; allows a healthcare system to operate a free-standing emergency room in an adjoining county. This means major providers now have the ability to potentially provide healthcare in Franklin County.
Widening of U.S. 401 North: The 2015 budget funded the widening of Part C of US 401 North in Franklin County. This is a vital part of the economic future of Franklin County and is part of a statewide effort to speed up transportation projects across the State.
Teacher Assistant Tuition Reimbursement Program: This policy gives Franklin County teacher assistants the opportunity to pursue a college degree that can result in their licensure. Accepted teacher assistants will be given up to $4,500 every academic year for up to four years to be used towards tuition and fees. This will benefit both teachers and students.
Downtown Revitalization Project: brought $150,000 in grants to Louisburg.
Franklin County Education and Economic Development Funds: The 2015-16 budget adjusted the allocation of sales tax revenue, bringing over $1 million to Franklin County to invest in economic development, public education and community colleges.
Saying the Senator is not a friend of our teachers and children is uncalled for. Sadly it is the kind of thing politicians rush in with to divide people. I think we have seen enough of it. Things are considerably improved for Franklin County since Senator Barefoot has taken office. It did not just happen by accident. I would like someone to tell me what sitting elected official has done more for Franklin County on the above issues. Let's be specific. Just like I have? I do not mean promises, or just being there for photo ops, I mean actually bringing it home.
Marciniak refers to the Senator as "young Chad"; very condescending. His deportment is disrespectful. The man is a North Carolina State Senator. He has earned the respect of his office.
My hope is people really think about the way things are being done, what they are being asked to support, and who is willing to benefit from it.
Political Party agenda is not a license to just say whatever you want to. It is old, and nationally exposed. No the end does not justify the means and yes" Telling the Truth" does still matter.
The article was published in the Franklin Times news paper in Louisburg North Carolina on September 1, 2016
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