I am not really sure where this belongs, or if it has already been posted, but I thought this video was kind of awesome.
Basically, a library in Troy, Michigan, was in danger of closing, and the story of the anti-campaign that saved it.
I’ve been to that library. It’s a very good, popular library in an affluent area (Troy is in Oakland County, which is one of the richest counties in the USA last I heard) so I figured they’d find a way to fund it somehow.
I love it!
According to the video, the “way” they found was a voter-approved tax increase, which is a pretty major accomplishment these days, no matter how affluent the area is.
Used to live just down the road from there. Been there many times.
So refreshing to see a campaign not designed around showing people what they have to gain in dollars and cents in slightly raised taxes, but what they’d lose in the community by reminding those who forgot these public treasures and services are important, and to actually bother to take time to fill out a ballot and make a critically informed vote.
Injects a little bit of faith back into this whole democracy idea again.
“So, my fellow commissioners. How do we raise taxes without getting lynched?”
“I know! Let’s close down the beloved library in the wealthy part of town for ‘lack of funds.’ That’ll have 'em lining up to throw money at us. The best part is that they’ll think it was their idea.”
I used to live in the area & used the library often - glad to hear they kept it open!
Honestly, many people who oppose a general increase in taxes would vote for specific allocations, such as for a new school, road improvements, or library funding. It’s a matter of perception; if they can see where their money is going, they’ll be in favor of it.
I wish people would look at our Capital Improvement Plan from time to time. They’d get a much better understanding of where (much of) the money is spent. Sometimes, it’s even interesting.
Being cynical about politics is totally legitamate. But sometimes, the agendas on both sides aren’t so hard to figure out.
On this one, I see it as an experiment in the critical interest for democracy. And it totally worked. Whether or not you believe it was all political smoke and mirrors; it shows there’s a very, very large percentage of Americans who don’t vote because the issues are opaque, misleading, or invisible.
In a few words: The majority doesn’t vote.