Quit Sitting on the Sidelines

        Every morning I wake up, grab my trusty blackberry (which in itself can be addictive), and take a few minutes to browse the local, state, and national headlines online.  After a few minutes, I roll out of bed and proceed with my morning routine until I arrive at work.  Once I've said my "Good mornings" and checked a few sales figures, I make my way to the newsstand where I drop some quarters in the slot to see if there is anything more in the printed version than what I have already read online earlier.  Some days I wonder why I wasted such good quarters, but I digress.
        Now I must admit, I do not read the Sound Off columns in the local papers unless my phone rings and someone on the other end of the line says the seven words that is like unto finger-nails being drug down a chalkboard.  Just hearing these seven words makes my skin crawl to be honest with you - "Have you seen the Sound Off today?" This dreaded statement immediately gets the usual response - "No, should I?"  Those seven words irritate me worse than almost anything else as an elected official.  Why?  Glad you asked; I hoped you would (if you didn't, this blog would be quite short today).  I trust you'll understand my ire after reading below.
        I believe that elected officials at all levels of government should be held accountable for what they do or don't do during their term in office.  I believe every citizen who votes (that's the caveat in this statement) has a right to voice their opinion openly and passionately if need be.  I believe elected officials and the general public should be engaged in a constant dialogue that is both honest and open, whether the issues being discussed are at times painful to hear or hard to digest.  I believe constructive criticism is a two way street and should be offered in a manner that is addressing the matter at hand in hopes of building toward a better outcome for all involved with a true heart of care and concern.  These beliefs are what drive my utter distaste for columns such as Sound Off.
        Forums that allow and essentially encourage people to call in or write anonymously begin as a harmless way for people to express themselves when no one else seems to be listening.  Believe me, I for one want to hear the concerns and issues of those I represent to better serve my constituency.  What happens, however, is that such forums soon turn into negative, personal vendetta laced gripe sessions by nameless accusers.  Personally, it is my belief that if you cannot be man or woman enough to express yourself and willingly and openly apply your name to your thoughts or words, perhaps it would be best not to even open your mouth, especially since quite often in such circumstances, your foot is not far from making that next trek.  In addition, a large portion of such nameless accusations are blatantly false or extremely skewed.  Instead of ranting and wasting such good, productive energy that could be utilized for the betterment of those around them, they choose to remain anonymous, hiding behind their veil where it is safe and secure.  It is way too easy on such forums to caste stones without any chance of having them thrown back at you or having the issue addressed in a manner that is conducive to achieving a positive outcome or at least opening a dialogue with those hopes.
        The truth is that when you peel back the top layer of this onion, the real issue is the lack of involvement and the comfort of not being in the hotseat by those who wish to remain anonymous.  Choosing to be unengaged without being a part of the solution to the problem is the easy way out.  There's no commitment, no pressure, no chance of getting hurt.  Fear stifles the soul and creates animosity when there is no outlet for its healthy expression, meaning such anonymous words are driven by the lack of willingness to positively engage in productive activities to remedy the situation being referenced. 
        Each week on my TV show ("On the Edge") I conclude the show by saying, "Sitting on the sidelines does no one any good, but when you're on the edge, you're in the fight."  I truly believe that and I strive to put it into practice each and every day.  That belief led me to voluntarily serve on numerous boards and commissions around town and eventually led me to run for elected office, to make a difference, to be the change I want to see.  I saw needs in the community and I invested myself passionately into working to improve what was lacking.  I didn't run to the Sound Off or call in or write to some nameless forum; I stepped into the kitchen, was willing to take the heat knowing full well the criticism and accusations to come, and am committed to being actively engaged in the fight in some form or fashion whether in elected office or not, whether I'm 28 or 98. 
        I would invite those out there who don't feel listened to, who obviously are passionate about something around town, who unfortunately have found solace in turning to the Sound Off or to calling in or writing to some nameless forum to step up to the plate, out of the shadows, and become a part of making our community a better place.  We need everyone's help if we are going to succeed and thrive here in Pascagoula, the naysayers and the yeasayers. Invest yourself in your community.  Volunteer on a city board, join an active civic club, or tutor a child in the school system.  Find what it is you're passionate about and find a way to make a difference.  Quit sitting on the sidelines.  Get engaged, get involved, and join the fight.
        And by the way, don't forget to vote in the upcoming municipal elections May 5th, with a possible runoff May 19th.  Voting would be a great place to begin your venture into making a real difference for our community.

Think Pascagoula First,

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4