Free market works better than collectivist ‘visioning’
“Visioning” and planning are well and good for individuals. The theory of “community” is a collectivist notion that should bear watching. Actually, there is no legal entity called a “community.” There are only individuals, corporations, trusts, foundations, partnerships, nonprofits and so on. Our American system that served us so well (until the mindset of socialism and government worship) was based on the theory of freedom, individual initiative, property rights and rule of law. Government simply had no part in anything except protecting the rights of the individual. And with no government in the way of productivity, we had prosperity. Simply put, freedom is the best way ever discovered to promote prosperity and real progress. The world is an imperfect place. It always has been, and no economic or government system or vision will change that fact.
To quote Ed McMahon: “The collaborative process that can lead to a new future for Rowan County should be driven by a community vision, not market forces.” That scheme would only lead to worsening economic conditions. I highly suspect what McMahon is actually saying is that he and other intellectuals should use the power of government to impose their “vision” upon the rest of the local society. It’s all the rage. But it doesn’t work. Only the market forces he disdains will create the end result we need. The free market is an economic system where untold numbers of free individuals are constantly making untold millions of free choices to their own benefit. It works. It weeds out the bad and creates better products and conditions. Planning, as an economic system, does not.
One’s “vision” of how the world should be may be in direct conflict with the “vision” of other people. So, in order for someone (or a group) to make their “vision” a reality, they would need legislation to make it happen. And that will no doubt contrast with other people’s vision or plans, thus hurting society.
McMahon may have noble intentions. He is no doubt a very good and intelligent man. But beware. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
— Steve Poteat
Salisbury

Steve Poteat serves on the Rowan County Planning Board.

Register of DeedsGate?
After all the heat Governor Christie has taken over “BridgeGate” and the questions about political retribution, one would think that politicians would get the message that the only people who get hurt by these kinds of shenanigans are the very people they serve.
So what does Harry Welch have to say about abruptly firing Sandra Campbell? Ms. Campbell has worked in the Register of Deeds office for 22 years. As a 22-year veteran, she’s served the people of Rowan under numerous elected Registers of Deeds.
But, it’s an election year; Ms. Campbell filed to run for elected office — offering her years of experience and knowledge to serve the people of Rowan as the Register of Deeds. The election for this position is partisan; Sandra Campbell is a registered Democrat, and her boss, Harry Welch, is Republican.
Ms. Campbell has suddenly found herself without a job. Political retribution? We don’t know. What we do know is we can’t imagine firing someone who is qualified and who has served professionally and admirably in their position for over 20 years. The people of Rowan County deserve the best service our government can provide. What we don’t deserve is the perception of political retribution.
We don’t know Mr. Welch’s motivation, but what we know is, he fired her just after she informed him of her intent to run.
“If it walks like a duck, it’s probably a duck” — so we ask Mr. Welch to remove this cloud of perceived political retribution and reinstate Ms. Campbell to continue to serve the people of Rowan as she has for 22 years.
As for the election, the good people of Rowan County will decide who is the most qualified, most honorable and most deserving to be our next Register of Deeds. May the best woman win!
— Veleria M. Levy
Kannapolis

Veleria Levy is chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party.

A chance to make history
The firing of assistant Register of Deeds Sandra Campbell on Feb. 28 has created lots of questions and discussion about the obviously unpopular decision to abruptly terminate her employment after she had worked practically an entire career in that office.
Based on conversations I had with persons familiar with what occurred and online responses I read, an overwhelming majority of persons expressed dissatisfaction with a decision that they believe was unfair, unwarranted and without merit. I believe that after a complete and full fledged investigation is completed, we will have the facts and answers that so many are searching for.
In actuality, it is very possible that this decision may result in Ms. Campbell being the top vote getter in the upcoming May 6 primary election and becoming the next Register of Deeds, a position for which she is obviously qualified. Because the office is an elected one, that means that we must get to the polls and vote.
Ms. Campbell could make history, because of the 25 county departments in Rowan County, none are held by a woman of color! Will Sandra Campbell be the first?
The choice is up to us!
— Quentin Woodward Jr.
Salisbury

The Melian Dialogue
“I went to bed a communist and woke up a capitalist. The transition over the past 25 years hasn’t been easy. I am not sure we are any better off now, although now I can talk to you and at least speak my mind.”
My wife and I stood in Lenin Square facing the Black Sea in Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine last fall. Our guide, careful to keep from being run over by teenagers skateboarding under the two-story bronze statue of a frowning Lenin, asked “why do you suppose the frown?” Then she gestured toward the Golden Arches of McDonald’s not 50 yards away.
It was a warm weekend — the intrepid swimming in the surf, some sunning on the beach, parents pushing strollers, well dressed children playing everywhere, young girls shopping in well stocked boutiques could have been anywhere U.S.A. The generation Xers and millennials seemed carefree.
She said, “I’m optimistic for my children, but I have to keep four jobs to make ends meet. A private home in Yalta costs $300,000 U.S., and my salary as a teacher is only $250 a month. Everyone has to work the system.”
Appreciating the ambivalence of those we met, members of the transitional generation in the Crimea, we were not surprised by the ease with which Putin occupied the peninsula.
As I’ve wondered about the good people we encountered and watched the politicians posturing over their fate I’m reminded of Thucydides account of the 416 BC Melian Dialogue: “The strong do what they will, the weak suffer what they must.”
I hope next year this time there will still be skateboarders under Lenin’s statue free to enjoy a hamburger and fries at McDonald’s.
— Dennis L. Hill, MD
Salisbury