Before tonight’s City Council meeting, I overheard Tulsa World Reporter Brian Barber talking to Kathy Watson. Kathy manages public speakers and the agenda at the City Council meetings. She was indicating that she thought the meeting would go quickly because most of the agenda items would probably result in unanimous votes. With the assumption that the meeting would go even quicker were it not for public comments, Brian asked, “Can you tell the Alexanders they can’t speak tonight?” He was of course joking but I believe that his contempt for public involvement was serious.
Bernice and James Alexander Jr. attend every city council meeting. I do not think I have been to a City Council meeting where James and/or Bernice were not there to exercise their right to speak. Shame on you Brian; let me remind you that our system of government is for, by, and of the people. Ironically, the gentleman who gave the invocation called on God to give citizens who had the opportunity to speak, to have the freedom and blessing to express themselves.
Brian, instead of criticizing the Alexanders you should be praising them for their involvement. If more Tulsans had their passion for community involvement and if each Tulsan would attend at least one City Council meeting a year, Tulsa would be a much better place.
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1 comment:
How true.... I might not always agree with the Alexander's and/or their actions at times but you have to admire the dedication anyway you look at it.
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