Victory?

We have a new Mayor coming this January. Indianapolis voters, by over 5000 votes, have given Bart Peterson the heave ho. Greg Ballard is taking the reins. Mind you, only about 26% of eligible voters did their duty. What does it take to get a groundswell?

We all should remember our population during the War for Independence. Approximately a third were for fightling tyranny. Another third opposed and remain loyal to the Crown. And yet another third were 'neutral', the 'reeds that bend in the wind'. Actual combatants were considerably fewer. But we are talking of election aren't we? What has this old war have to do with choosing a city leader in 2007? Everything.

Our ancestors elected to do one of three previously mentioned things. Change was effected. We have just chosen a new path for our city. Change was effected. Perhaps war was averted. Maybe not a firefight, but possibly economic and quieter social upheaval.

Now it remains to be seen how we clean up this city. Corruption will probably shift and burrow down, hopefully greatly reduced. I hope it is not a new flavor even if Ballard is going to keep his word to improve. It remains to be seen and I will watch. Too often, there are promises made and quickly dropped. The excuse is commonly that the new (fill in the blank) has to revise his/her view on closer examination. Unforseen circumstances lead to watering down a vision as it were, when actually behind the scenes compromises and deals are made.

I will be cautiously optimistic. Ballard seems to be a 'man of the people'. He is a former Marine, a Lt. Colonel retired. He has some business acumen. With whom he surrounds himself is the critical issue. And listening to the people and seeking their input. It's what got him elected. Let's hope some of the politicos he has on his transition team do not hijack the dream of more Freedom for another version of the same old same old. I trust Col. Ballard will take advice from ALL the transition team, keeping his ear to the ground for what the people say and remembering what was promised and then proceed to effect change that liberates us again. A commander must act only after weighing all factors. Sometimes fast, sometimes slowly. And yes, Ballard can apply military precision to city government, as long as he only applies, remembering this is NOT the military. And, if mistakes are made, rectification instituted.

Keep your fingers crossed as we not only hope, but as I said, watch. For if we do not watch, we will be enshrouded by neutrality. Do nothings. I'm asking all of us to do something. Watch and think. Ask and demand. If one does not participate, then one deserves what one gets.