Byline: Times Record 4/12/15…..”DIRECTOR SAYS FIVE MINUTES TOO LONG TO ALLOW SPEAKERS”.

Think about it folks. Not that long ago the City Board meetings were televised and citizens were allowed to speak/ask questions/give input after most meetings. Those unable to attend could watch the proceedings on their televisions. After the Board was challenged on some issues the TV camera was ejected (too expensive they said), in spite of the fact that private citizens offered to pay for it.

Not long after that, after being questioned and challenged again, the Board barred citizen input except on “special occasions”. Now we have Director Don Hutchings encouraging further censorship by saying 5 minutes is just too long to give citizens to express themselves!

This censorship is an idea expressed by a self-described “conservative” pastor. Sound familiar? (think Patriot Acts, NDAA, et al) Might make one wonder if this is his version of “Do unto others”?

This country was built on free expression/speech, and citizen input is vital to a transparent, healthy governing body…if such a thing is possible, especially these days.

Governing bodies have become arrogant, belligerent, defiant, and self-serving. Any such entity that blocks or ignores the taxpayers’ wishes and concerns is a rogue body, out of control and obviously willing and able to misuse their authority and the taxpayer monies put in their trust.

Once upon a time, discussions & debates could go on for hours, sometimes days in order to come to reasonable, fair conclusions. But now 5 MINUTES is simply too much to ask of our elected & appointed “leaders”.

Is it any wonder taxpaying citizens have zero trust in governing bodies? Why should they when they are told to shut up and sit down, or else. All the while they are the very ones funding the politicrats and their activities. What a tyrannical concept.

If “officials” can’t take the heat, why would anyone want them in the kitchen?

The lights are going out all over the world and another one just went out in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

~Barbara McCutchen
arkansasfreedom.net