Tompkins County is in the forefront of our New Dictatorship autocracy – they insist that there is meaningful public participation; and in the face of pointed criticisms – merely continue to insist – never changing anything – never feeling the need to change anything – insisting and insisting — When the cat’s dead; stop stroking it – you’re not fooling anyone.
It’s Social Science! It’s Documentary! It’s Socumentary!! Movie goers everywhere may remain unmoved by the incidents described in this wide-screen screamer – but watch out! With all the creeping COVID corruption you’ve swallowed — your next stimulus check may need to be with a defibrillator.
Public Government Meetings: “Closed due to COVID – and something else later.” There is nothing that so defines bureaucratic flexibility as the ability to use anything as an excuse – except possibly their ability to get away with it — let’s see you try to use “I’m understaffed,” for not paying your property taxes on time.
And nothing that so defines politicians as their desire to embrace more power.
That’s why COVID was a windfall event in the Darwinian playing field of politics – every disruption is a chance for corruption.
The COVID ban on public meetings streamlined the whole acquisition and approval process – and it’s a perk they don’t intend to give up.
Petitions are a democratic tool for meaningful participation in policy making; but in Tompkins County; there is no meaningful participation – because it’s not a democracy.
“Petitions hold no merit.” — Unnamed county superintendent
Like those lesser-born of the past; laboring under royalty and at the mercy of repressive autocracies — the validity of residents’ requests is entirely dependent upon the approval of those in charge; those at the top.
Tompkins County’s Elite have it all their own way — they’re used to having it all their own way.
And with the “representative” power of 40,000 uninvolved student transients, and Legislative districting out of Gerrymandering 101: it’s not likely to change.
They decide. For you . . . and for themselves. Everything. Always. It’s a drug.