Straight from the Mike, When the Quiver Runs Out of Arrows

It would be in medieval times when opposing armies would gather information in clear sight of each other. The delta between them gave ample time to strategize which one would be the aggressor. The rule of thumb would be that the invading force would be at the ready to advance.

The army that had the high ground would have the advantage. You can get confirmation of that fact by checking out the Art of War by Sun Tzu. The defender of territory would have their archers at the ready. When the opposing regiments would start to advance, the commander would give the command to the archers to commence their assault. A sky full of arrows would be launched. The primary purpose was to fatally deter, disrupt and demoralize the advancing force.

These past several weeks in our county remind me of such action and intent. During these distrustful times, when one side attempts to shoot arrows at concerned citizens for speaking out against what is being perceived as constituent neglect, flat out disregard, the injection of racial motives, and callous assumptions suggests that the one side has made a decision. It indicates that the voice of reason and mutual respect has been cast aside. The allegations have no basis in fact. It is hurtful at a time that answers are needed for the expensive decisions being made at the public largess.

Let me hasten to point out that I in no way condone any action that is disrespectful, threatening, or hostile toward our elected officials. Verbal tirades and epithets from the podium are unacceptable behavior. Conversely, even higher standards should emanate from those facing citizen ire.

Additionally, it is critically important to step back and understand how we got to this point. For many of us, we feel that we are in the middle of a storm. Many working-class families are challenged to make ends meet during this inflationary period only to maybe receive a rent increase notice, or a tax bill due in the near term. How about citizens on a fixed income that are faced with serious decisions to make and increasing uncertainties?

These factors coupled with the cost burdens from the grocery cart to the gas pump, sets off a furor of frustration in the midst of disbelief and dashed expectations. It is highly likely that there would not be this level of animus were it not for the feeling that our taxes were being wasted before our eyes. One has to wonder then about what is being spent that our eyes do not see. You can pick your starting point.

Whether you begin with the predictable expensive legal journey of challenging the county map in favor of the Home Rule stance. Or, you can try to get your arms around the attempted disruption of an almost 20 year tradition of an Intergovernmental Agreement with our cities that was settled at a higher cost, or the current attempt to justify a 30 year transit tax at a cost that should alarm anyone trying to stay afloat and keep things between the lines these days.

More importantly, the race of the governing officials or their party affiliation should not be the basis to judge the quest for excellence, transparency, and wise spending of the General Fund.

The periotic reference to whether actions are based on the red or blue color of the body politic of Cobb County is really not helpful. The current thermometer might not be in the ‘red zone’ if we could see taxes going down, new revenue ideas bought forth that do not include just raising fees, and tax increases. One would be so much more optimistic if we did not feel a sense of distrust, deaf ear reaction, and the suspicion of a hidden agenda. It appears that in this game of public policy, the consultants have been winning and the taxpayer has been shown the king’s elevator or another words, the royal shaft.

Furthermore, it needs to be pointed out that expectations transcend racism. Race or political party does not separate the desire for good governance, quality of life, public safety, and good schools. We want the best for our families and ourselves before all is said and done.

Let us make clear that we will not allow or be silent when arrows of divisiveness come flying across our spheres. The poison pill of racism claims, not soundly founded in the public square, is irresponsible and damaging. It is short sighted, to say the least.

I, like many of you, take seriously that this is not the last chapter for us, instead let’s plan with reason, the next chapter in the hopes that we will experience it to be the best chapter for this county.

Keep the arrows where they belong, for emergency use only.

I am Michael Murphy