August, 2011
The Statue of Liberty holds a promise that is realized in the United States where the fundamental governing power resides on the smallest of areas known as a town. For example, the town of ________.
Each town is responsible for drawing up its fiscal policy and balancing the budget. This is possible by the help of tax payers who own property and pay into the coffers of the town in lieu of property taxes or town taxes. In return, the town’s administrative authority is able to maintain rule of law, better roads, fine schools.
This smallest of administrative body, also known as local body government, through its symbiotic relationship with property owning tax payers represent the democratic building block of a country that spans 2,680 miles from coast to coast.
This basic unit of government represents the bare back independence ingrained in the democratic culture enjoyed by all Americans.
The faith that they are at the helm of destiny. That they have a stake in deciding the future of their children.
It’s not smooth sailing. There are towns that are bankrupt. They are unable to cope with law and order or to keep up their schools.
Worsening situations call for electing effective leaders who can make a difference. This leadership rises from the ranks of the community of tax payers invested in the good of their town.
A virtuous cycle is born.
When this virtuous cycle is just as real to democracies in Pakistan and Egypt, Ukraine and Slovakia, only then the torch of Lady Liberty may shine on these lands as well.
Tags: Change, Communication, Creativity, Culture, Finance, Government, Inspiration, Leadership, Life, People, Politics
