I notice two important things amid the horror and valor within Russia’s war on Ukraine — local government service and press freedom.
We have municipal elections this week, and this newspaper is among the local media outlets free to question candidate views and government policy. No matter what I write here, I will not go to prison for criticizing city, county, state or federal officials.
Don’t take that freedom for granted.
In some countries, authoritarian bullies use patronage politics and cronyism to determine who is appointed and paid to run schools, keep the water running, approve building permits and decide which street potholes get patched. Here in Platte County, USA, we go to the polls and decide. Voting determines policy setters from city mayors to ambulance district board members.
Granted, Ukraine is a horribly extreme situation. So much so, it is hard to believe that it is happening. But it is. Note how often a mayor or deputy mayor of a city in Ukraine becomes the on-site leader quoted by media from a town in crisis or rubble. Watch the video, not just of combat, but as well the fire crews and medical rescue units working among heartbreaking ruins. Note as well that media outlets serving the western world call a war a war. They directly ask leaders tough questions, and they criticize as well as compliment. Don’t take that for granted, either.
We have had the factual knowledge that Russia has a different history and governance. But it always seemed far away. Then the destruction and death in Ukraine came into our homes via media. We witnessed with eyes and ears, while we also learned that the Russian people are cut off from the facts about those grim realities. That is crazy but true. Bad things occur when citizens don’t have verified information.
Democracy and media are not perfect. But at least both have open avenues for corrections and improvements made possible by the free flow of information.
You may have noticed at the polls that some elections have only one candidate for a seat, a city or school board.
I believe those uncontested candidates could use an affirmative vote, anyway. They are willing to fulfill duties no one else is willing to do. They will give their time to attend regular meetings, wade through complicated paperwork or online pages, and make decisions that affect friends and neighbors. They may also have to deal with fellow elected officials who are hotheads, poor thinkers and single-issue agenda crusaders. Most are good people who keep our communities running.
Those who are elected or employed in government know the dedication it takes to serve taxpayers well. So do your friendly local newspaper reporters who sit through long meetings and deal with complicated issues and conflicts.
Reporters and editors use professional skills to give you the gist of what’s going on at city hall and the courthouse. Don’t take them for granted.
Local media like The Citizen are reliable translators sifting through an information flood to keep government honest and thinking people informed. The same for most national and international media. Russia is showing us what happens when they are absent.
Bill Graham is a long-time commentator on Platte County and its history. He lives in the Platte City area and can be reached at editor@plattecountycitizen.com.