OKC Crosstown Hanging by a Thread

[Midtowner]

There are no real forums where a concerned citizen can speak their mind. I mean, I can post here, big deal. I've reached maybe a few thousand people at the maximum?

Let's say I go to the media with my beliefs. Let's even say I have concrete evidence of malfeasance. Do they care? No. Do they label me a crazy? Yes.

I suppose the only real thing that can be done is to run for office. But honestly, would you vote for a politician who was really honest with you? Who really told you that local government was a cesspool and he wanted to clean it up? If you say yes, you're in the minority. I guarantee you, whoever runs on that ticket is going to be labeled "nuts" by the media and laughed out of the election.

Mayor Cornett once posted on this forum. People were honest about their feelings regarding the government and he left because of that. He didn't want to hear, let alone be questioned about some of the goings on at city hall. In all likelihood, his belief would be that we "just don't understand how business gets done."

The trouble is -- we do understand, and it's aggravating to be essentially powerless to do anything about it.

From a municipal perspective, OKC, Oklahoma County, even the state are very much a 'small town' sort of government. The good 'ol boys will always get their way, power is concentrated with a few city and state fathers. Your agenda is going nowhere without their blessings.

Cornett left this forum because of its honesty. An OKC media personality once referred to this as the "bash OKC forum." I'm actually kind of proud of that. Those quotes have actually, in the past, been attributed to things I've said.

I'm just glad someone out there is listening. I could care less what they think about what I have to say so long as they think something.

[bombermwc]

There is a difference between just bitching and trying to make things better. If all we do is sit here on out butts and piss and moan about the world, then I would ignore me too. If we are actively trying to correct the things we talk about instead of just posting on a forum, then more power to us.

Each of us has to ask ourselves that question. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, so don't think I am. But we all need to ask, "am I just a comlainer, or am I a do-er". I think we would find that the majority here just complain and never do anything, which is unfortunate. Just gathering data is helpful, but DO something with that data, please!

[Misty]

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has-Margaret Mead.

[AFCM]

You're right Midtowner. A few of you folks on this board know what's really going on behind the scenes and can scream at the top of your lungs, but the majority of our population would rather make their voices heard on American Idol. I like this board and its discussions because they're very educational and full of information. I want to learn about what's going on in my city and I wouldn't be in-the-know if I were just sitting on my butt expecting to see it on the news. Unfortunately, others, citizens and politicians, won't listen. The majority rules, and the majority are the ones who allow the corruption to continue.

[bombermwc]

So we should all just roll over and give up?

[AFCM]

So we should all just roll over and give up?

No. Being quiet won't accomplish anything, but unfortunately, neither will raising hell about the issue. I was just blowing off steam because, well...not to pun, you guys are the only one's who listen...or read.