A Letter To The Editor The Daily Times Refuses To Publish

I was unable to either attend Monday’s meeting of the Salisbury City Council or watch the proceedings on PAC 14. By Wednesday, my physical condition began to deteriorate.. My blood pressure was up. I was breathing rapidly, and sweating profusely. I trembled uncontrollably. I struggled to figure out what was happening, and why. Then, out of nowhere, the answer came to me: I needed a “fix”.

I needed to watch a legislative body immersed in dysfunction. I needed to watch a council leader, in an attempt to mask incompetence, initiate a series of ridiculous, childish “rules of procedure” which would then be selectively enforced. I needed to see majority members demean the minority. I needed to hear a citizen ask a question that could be quickly answered only to be told; “We’ll get back to you on that”.

I was suffering!

What to do? I scoured PAC 14’s program schedule, and saw that a replay of the County Council July 15 meeting was about to air. I immediately tuned in. Relief was on the way!

Uh-oh. Everything was calm. Members addressed each other respectfully. The Council President allowed a free flow of speech. Citizens asked questions that were answered immediately. There was no attempt by the majority to stifle the minority. My “fix” was nowhere to be seen! I was going to have to wait until the next meeting of the Salisbury City Council to get relief.

I felt cheated.

Bob Caldwell