WORDS MEAN THINGS

GE&P read with interest a Letter To The Editor in the June 2, 2010 edition of the Berkeley Independent. The writer began the letter with what appeared to be the best of intentions. Voters were encouraged to educate themselves as to the issues and as to the qualifications of the candidates. This was all good.

Then the writer seemed to veer off course a bit. He said, " That is why voting is so important to have a true democracy." Well, Mr. Writer, you have hit upon one of our pet peeves. Here in America, we do not live in a "true democracy". We live in a Representative Republic.

He went on to say, "A voter has to know the difference to make a difference. The voter has the knowledge and ability to guard against dictatorial practices that lead to bureaucracy." "Bureaucracy" is a nice sounding $10 word but it certainly doesn't fit here.

Let's play the old grammar school game: A is to B, as C is to ?

Dictatorial practices lead to bureaucracy as a 40 foot tsunami leads to sand in your shoes.

Sorry, if we're being picky.