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01/05/2006: "When Did Democracy Begin To Unravel?"

Dear Editor"

Exactly when did democracy begin to unravel? I can remember a time when I was proud to be an American. I knew I was part of a society that placed the collective good above the profit of a few. "We the People", spoke to us all and for us all. The majority ruled and in that we could all take comfort---even if the majority didn't agree with us.

These past 6 years we have seen attempts made to undermine the Constitution and our Rights as a free People. Why then should anyone be surprised when they read about the outrageous special interest agenda regarding the guesthouse issue in San Juan County? When a supermajority step forward as they did in the November 2004 ballot in favor of guest houses, isn't that (In Bush terms) a mandate?

Did the People not collectively give "voice" to their choice? So why didn't that put an end to this issue? Could it be that a few people who hadn't gotten their way decided that they would redefine democracy to suit themselves? Is anyone else getting tired of this?!

The Hanleys
Orcas Island