Political Activist vs Politically Correct

My tendancy is to keep my FACE out of this but, below is a piece of my mind :)

I totally shy away from political conversations & situations.  Most of the time, they appear to me to be full of heated emotions, hidden agendas, bullying, bending facts to support a cause, etc.  I don't like office politics either -- especially the the types where someone who's willing to do things the bosses way all the time is rewarded regardless of their productivity or work ethic.  In addition, I'm not fond of making a huge effort to be politically correct.  I don't want to be inconsiderate, disrespectful or judgemental with those I encounter. However, I believe that I need to be honest in my communication & actions - reflecting what I believe my commitment to Christ is.  I don't want to cover my convictions just for the purposes of fitting in.  Well, I've recently been called a political activist for my active participation in our community's debate on the future of our school corporation.  I've been very active in "my little world" at letting people know how I feel about the issue.  Here's a letter I sent to our local paper's editor yesterday.  I doubt it will be printed so, I'm posting it here for the 3 people who read my blogs :)


MY LETTER TO THE EDITOR WHICH WILL PROBABLY NOT GET PRINTED :)
I've resided in Anderson for the past 20 years. Neither my husband nor I were Anderson natives. We chose to live here and educate our children through the public school system. When our oldest was able to enter public school, we made the joint decision for me to step away from a full-time professional job in order to be more involved with our children's education. Since that time in 1995, I've volunteered at all of their schools - elementary, middle & high school. We've continued to make a huge effort to attend as many events & activities as we possibly could attend for each of the children. By nature, I shy away from the "politics" of issues whenever possible. I focus my time & efforts on what I believe is most important & best for all concerned. Those choices aren't always what my friends believe is best. But, if I am convicted that something is the right choice, I work toward it!




I've attended no less than 30 ACS board meetings as an observing patron. I've spoken only a few times on issues and have been there other times in support of those who were representing what I felt was important for our community. In the recent saga of Option A versus Option B, I took time to do some research & carefully consider both formats for our community. I've come to the conclusion that, when given the choices at this time, Option B is the best for our community!


At the open meeting of the ACS Board on Dec 8th, one patron spoke & showed what seemed to me as genuine sadness that "so many in our community do not want to draw together & have a sense of unity for our community" (this is NOT a direct quote but, I believe it accurately portrays what was said). I've heard this statement too many times and always from supporters of Option A. To me, this insinuates that Option B does not reflect nor can bring about community unity. Our sense of community unity is shown by choosing what is BEST for the community - for today & for the future. When comparing the two options, I truly believe that Option B is the better of the two... and the BEST that we can do when given our current choices from the ACS School Board members. I believe that Option B is the BEST for students & families: on the south side of town, on the east side of town, on the north side of town, on the west side of town and in the MIDDLE of town! It is not just the best option for a select group of taxpayers situated in a certain area of our community. Option B affords more opportunities for our students, families & our community.


I see Option B as bringing UNITY to our COMMUNITY by doing what's best for EVERYONE concerned. I do not like the suggestion that unity comes with only one of the two options being considered! Unity in the community is very important to me. After next year I won't have any more school-aged children. However, I will NOT stop volunteering in the schools & working on my own time toward what I feel is best for this community & its people. I want the success of each child in this community. I want the success & growth of this community.


Thank you for allowing me to share my views,