A Teachable Moment
Editor’s note: Freeholder Director Lillian Burry submitted this column back in February. In light of the recent “push polling” negative campaign tactic on the part of the Monmouth County Democrats and what looks to be an ugly seven weeks coming before election day, we thought it might be a good idea to run her column again.
By Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County Freeholder Director
Photo by Vinnie Amessé © www.amessephoto.com
When Vin Gopal launched his latest attack, I heard from friends with two different types of advice. Some said I should fight back immediately because silence would suggest I had no defense. Others said I should do nothing because to respond to bullying would make me just look defensive. I thanked them all for their kind thoughts but told them all the same thing. I see this as a teachable moment to be shared with everyone who may be thinking of someday entering public life.
You may see public office as I do – a way of giving back to society and being thankful for the success you’ve had in your professional life. In an ideal democracy opponents would challenge you by putting forth a competing vision of the future they would work for and offer up their record of accomplishments so people could judge whether or not they had as good a record as yours when it comes to getting things done. Unfortunately, that’s not how our democracy has evolved.
Posted: September 14th, 2014 | Author: admin | Filed under: Lillian Burry, Monmouth County, Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Monmouth Democrats, New Jersey, Vin Gopal | Tags: A Teachable Moment, Freeholder Director Lillian Burry, Lillian Burry, Lillian G. Burry, Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth Democrats, New Jersey, NJ, Vin Gopal | 2 Comments »