76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesAn Open Letter to My Governor

An Open Letter to My Governor

Dear Source:
An open letter to my governor: Yes, I'm a cynic, and yes, I tend to see the glass half empty, but after eight years of mental abuse, I, and I believe many with me, are not easily turned into overnight optimists.
It takes therapy and maybe a little bit of magic, and since you are now the head magician, let me tell you what is on my mind: I think you are in the process of making your first mistake.
We know you are busy creating the best government you can think of and there are the moving in and getting settled, too. But in the meantime you appear to have lost contact with the rest of us.
Are you aware of the growing anger over the passing of the Omnibus Bill? Of course you are! So what is the explanation for your silence?
Most people I talk to have all kind of excuses on your behalf but they all admit that by the end of the day your opinion on this matter is urgent and also pivotal in shaping their attitude towards your administration. (Translation: screw this one up, and …………)
As you know, in politics you are guilty until proven innocent. By not condemning this action you condone it. And the silence? We have just had eight years of it.
I'm probably not speaking for a whole lot of people right now, but tomorrow there will be more, and by the end of the week, bad memories from the past eight years will turn us all into a territory of paranoids.
The transparency that you so heavily promoted during your campaign is already less than 20/20, and it would be so easy to correct it.
We don't need an official, legally binding statement from you. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call one of the papers or a talk show. And here is my phone # should you be so inclined: 642-8444.
It does not have to be a long conversation. It could be: " I think this bill sucks, and I'll do what I can to revoke it!"
Silence does not work.
You have a clean slate and little or no baggage.
The timing of the situation in hand is not the best, but it serves to underline the importance of the first words coming from you.
They will be with you for the rest of your time in office. Cautiously optimistic (my wife really likes you).

Steffen Larsen
St. Croix

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.