For years and years East Ridge has been known for electing 'controversial' politicians and on few occasions the city's leaders have been found guilty and sentenced to prison. The question in my mind is why? Once elected what happens to morals? Honesty? Integrity? Transparency? Citizens thought they were there with all the promises made prior to the election.
These happenings are everywhere, not just a small town of a little over eight and one half miles, that sits on the Tennessee/Georgia border, but all over the USA, and the world. What has happened to the one group of people who sit idly by and do nothing? Don't speak up to wrong, close their eyes and hope it all goes away? I got news for you, it doesn't , it just grows bigger.
Then you have the other group who see the wrong and try to speak up against dishonesty, and they are chastised for doing so. Have we become a city, state, country, world who turns a blind eye to corruption? Have we become that apathetic? I pray we have not.
Granted, it sure seems Mr. and Mrs Citizen do not care anymore. Voter turn-out is pathetic. When you have less than half of the registered voters show up to vote, that truly is pathetic. If you don't vote, you cannot complain because you did nothing to change the situation. Exercise your God given right. Get out and vote while you can. Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain; it hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority. Vote, and vote wisely.
Emilia Genter
East Ridge