Our system of government relies on well-informed citizens. A free press and freedom of speech is essential and is known as the fourth branch of government in America. I applaud our local press for their dedication to keeping residents informed. During 2015, many issues in Haines attracted the notice of the people.
Thomas Jefferson said in 1789: “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government; whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”
U.S. Supreme Court justice John Harlan said in 1971: “The constitutional right of free expression is powerful medicine in a society as diverse and populous as ours. It is designed and intended to remove governmental restraints from the arena of public discussion, putting the decision as to what views shall be voiced largely into the hands of each of us, in the hope that use of such freedom will ultimately produce a more capable citizenry and more perfect polity and in the belief that no other approach would comport with the premise of individual dignity and choice upon which our political system rests.”
It is imperative that the people of Haines stay engaged to effect positive change in our community. Let’s start a community dialog that includes active listening with an open mind. Please join us and “Speak Up, Speak Out” at a public forum about Creating a Positive Future for Haines, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Chilkat Center.
Brenda Josephson