THE VIEW FROM HERE

Lucie Jensen
My great-aunt, Lucie Marie Hutton, on the rare occasions when
she allowed herself to express dissatisfaction on a public issue,
would say “I’ve Got My Dander Up.” For her this was exposing a very
un-lady-like emotion. Women of her generation were not to sully
themselves with the dirty and unsavory aspects of business and
politics. That was the forte of their husbands and fathers. Of
course there were exceptions even then and by now we all know
things have changed radically.
My feeling is that the way things have been going politically,
economically and environmentally it is high time both men and women
got their “Dander Up.” We need to stop focusing on “What’s in it
for me?” and focus on “What is good for the country?”
The recent appalling decision by the Supreme Court in Citizens
United v. Federal Election Commission is a case in point, over
ruled, by a five to four vote, thus rendering the McCain-Feingold
Act and dozens of state and national statues unconstitutional. This
clears the way for a torrent of special interest, including foreign
countries, to spend unlimited funds to elect candidates that favor
their concerns. It may be good for Wall Street but it isn’t good
for Main Street. The only jobs this will create are more high
priced lobbyists and PR men.
Venting may make us feel better but it is not very effective.
What we can do and what will make a difference is to focus on our
local community and improve things one step at a time. The June
primaries usually do not attract much interest. Ignoring them is a
big mistake. We need to be focused on our local candidates and
their records. We need to be well informed about the initiative
measures that often get passed by special interest groups to the
detriment of the general public because not enough people were
interested or took the trouble to vote.
We are fortunate here in Healdsburg that it is so easy to know
our local candidates for the school board, the city council, and
county supervisors. For example: I have been following Mike
McGuire’s political career since he first knocked on my front door
when he ran for the school board. I think he had just reached the
ripe old age of eighteen.
Although he has since served as Mayor of Healdsburg and on the
city council for many years his commitment to the betterment of our
community has never wavered. I may have My Dander Up about national
politics but I am grateful that I live in a community where I feel
the local citizens can still make a difference. Inform yourselves,
get involved and by all means don’t forget to vote.
Lucie Jensen is a Healdsburg resident.