Abilene’s connection to neighborhoods, ideas, arts and politics of the city.

The Observer exists for the purpose of raising awareness and connecting different parts of the community in a central location.

Thoughtful, considered submissions welcome.

Please also see this post, “What This Blog Is About,” for more information.

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“How things work,” and what it takes to run a city.

Each person has something valuable to contribute. The more engaged, responsible and well-meaning voices contributing to civic matters the better.

Democracy is imperfect, yet the only workable system of government = by the people. I’ve been frustrated by the lack of easily accessible information about what goes on in “corridors of power,” therefore this attempt to share information.

The sacrifices and service-oriented attitude of many public servants  – that old-fashioned but useful term – is to be respected. How easy or hard it is for these folks to stay in touch with the day-to-day of what and whom they’re deciding about? Sometimes the truth is hard to find and rather complicated, but it’s always best.

The goal of this blog is an attempt to let regular citizens (although many if not all “officials” would also designate themselves as such) know the goings-on of local government. These are naturally the limited opinions of one ordinary person, and some observations will be incomplete or from an initial perspective. Comments and further explanations and information from elected officials, members of boards, average voters or residents is desired and welcomed. The point is to join together to make the best decisions and opportunities possible for this place where we live together.

~ Heila Rogers

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Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things.
Steve Jobs

THREE REASONS WHY FREEDOM

OF EXPRESSION IS ESSENTIAL TO A FREE SOCIETY

Reason #1

It’s the foundation of self-fulfillment. The right to express one’s thoughts and to communicate freely with others affirms the dignity and worth of each and every member of society, and allows each individual to realize his or her full human potential. Thus, freedom of expression is an end in itself — and as such, deserves society’s greatest protection.

Reason #2

It’s vital to the attainment and advancement of knowledge, and the search for the truth. The 19th-century writer and civil libertarian, John Stuart Mill, contended that enlightened judgment is possible only if one considers all facts and ideas, from whatever source, and tests one’s own conclusions against opposing views. Therefore, all points of view — even those that are “bad” or socially harmful – should be represented in society’s “marketplace of ideas.”

Reason #3

It’s necessary to our system of self-government and gives the American people a “checking function” against government corruption and excess. If the American people are to be the masters of their fate and of their elected government, they must be well-informed and have access to all information, ideas and points of view. Mass ignorance is a breeding ground for oppression and tyranny.

From isabel@oblivion.net