Over the past 50 years or so politics have been playing an increasing influence in our lives. This trend has been pushed along by our elected officials as they use tax money to curry favors with certain demographic groups. These groups have become very influential voting blocks; as such the welfare state is giving impetus to the advancement of poverty. What was once a benefit on a temporary basis has evolved into an unquestionable right. Much of these largess vote buying schemes have been on borrowed or misappropriated money. The recipients have come to believe that government is the answer to all problems, when in fact government may be the cause of most of our problems.

On a local basis our own Board of Supervisors is now looking to add another one cent on the sales tax, to be spent on more social engineering, Smart Planning in particular.

I bring all this up because we are facing another election soon. The primary is Tuesday. There is a large field running for the various local and state offices. Lacking some organized effort it is difficult to learn something about all the candidates; what they stand for and are they in favor of increasing taxes, what are their thoughts on county planning, (Smart Planning) and the many other questions of community interest.

A well informed voter is a smart voter. To help the voters become better acquainted with the various candidates there is a candidate forum August 1st at Sun Roamer RV Resort club house on Rt. 43 S, Picayune MS, near Tractor Supply starting at 10:00 a.m., sponsored by the Pearl River County Republican Committee. Candidates for each office will be grouped for a short forum separately so you will get a better idea for comparison. Lunch will be served, price $10.00, drinks on the house. The event is open to the public at no charge. Bring a friend.

Interested voters should attend all to meet the candidates and ask the questions and become better informed. We all should become more involved in the affairs of our community, state and nation. Not being involved is what has gotten us in the sad state of affairs in which we find ourselves today. Should we allow ourselves to continue in this non-involved and uninformed way we will loose the greatest form of representative self-government ever experienced in this world. With it will go our constitution and all our personal freedoms and inalienable rights.

By Paul Ingram