Let the debate over the liquor issue begin

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December 12, 2009

Anonymous The Jacksonville Daily Progress Sat Dec 12, 2009, 06:03 PM CST

As citizens of this country, of this state, county and our town we not only have a right to take a stand for what we believe, we have an obligation.

In the past several weeks, the buzz has been the potential of bringing a wet/dry election to the ballots in March. The question is does Jacksonville want to make this step. Maybe you feel it is a good move for the city for economic or even personal reasons. Or maybe your thoughts veer in another direction and you feel it would be a detriment to our city.

Everyone should take interest in the process that is under way to call for a liquor election in Jacksonville. The outcome affects the whole community, which is best served if the people who live here participate in the final decision.

If your choice is the pro-alcohol side of the issue, Progress Jacksonville has formed a committee and is circulating a petition. They are bringing up the issue of allowing packaged alcohol sales up for a vote loud and clear. They are giving people the opportunity to come out and support them in their effort to call for an election; if you side with Progress Jacksonville, sign the petition, state your support — but most important — show up to vote.

If your choice is in opposition of packaged alcohol sales in Jacksonville — make that known as well. Take your stand. Those who are opposed have not yet coalesced into a united front against those calling for a vote. United front or not, votes count individually.

Those who remain undecided will need to hear from both sides of the issue. They need the groups who are polar opposites in the debate to let their views be known so they can weigh the arguments in their own minds and make an informed decision.

Some who remain undecided will say they don’t feel strongly one way or the other. That should not keep them from participating in the process. Examine the benefits or disadvantages that could result.

We urge you to open your mind and consider the pros and cons of the situation. Think about how it would affect you and your family, and the community as a whole. Then get involved and be ready to cast your vote when the time comes around.

If we shirk our responsibility to get involved in shaping the laws of our society, we allow special interest groups or cliques or factions of the community to decide the rules. Then when we aren't happy with the result, we complain.

So get involved and be informed. Then stand up for what you believe on this issue.

May a healthy and robust debate take place so that no one can later say, “They didn’t ask my opinion.”

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