To The Editor:
I write this letter to give my opinion on how we can grow and learn from the 2017-2018 Dillon County Budget ordeal. I want to say there is no doubt in my mind the court made a decision Thursday in favor of the taxpayers of Dillon County. Through this painstaking process, I have learned so much about the world of politics and it has shed a light upon some of the darknesses of politics. The process has been mean, ugly, and dirty. Have seen firsthand the pain many of my closest citizens have endured. I have sadly watched government expand extremely. Now that time has taken its course and a ruling has been delivered, it leads us to a very important question. As citizens of the great County of Dillon, what does democracy mean to you? “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the bessings of liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” (Preamble to the United States Constitution, September 17, 1787). This quote explains why government is so powerless and shows that the power rests in the citizens’ hands. It explains that government can not govern without the consent of its people. It is time for the citizens in our community to realize how much power we have as an active body. It is time We begin to turn our power into action. The power is in our votes, campaigns and voices. This case showed us all that we have power in our words. I have learned to never give up when pursuing what it is right. This case has shown us that there is a lot of information in our county that a majority of us were unaware of and has made it apparent that our leaders have failed to demonstrate discipline when handling our tax dollars. At the 2017-2018 Budget Public Hearing is obvious that the concerns of the citizens were not important. Another concern of mine is the way our community is evolving. I have an uneasy feeling about the direction some of our leaders are taking us in as a county. However, we have every opportunity to change the course of county, and I strongly encourage my fellow citizens to take action. I will certainly do my part! I want to see Dillon County grow but as long as government is expanded our growth will be limited. We must stand for what is right and never back down despite the obstacles we may face. The events that took place at the Budget Public Hearing were disgraceful and an act to undermine limited government. Limited government encourages citizens to be involved in our government and to voice their concerns. Unfortunately, our voices were muted in previous council meetings but the days of this have come to an end. My hope for Dillon County is that we take time to look at the present and solve the problems in our community. We have many mountains to climb, but even the tallest of mountains have been conquered. You are the change you seek and if anyone can change the political climate of Dillon County you can. The dirty politics are COMING TO AN END IN DILLON COUNTY! It is time that our government officials understand this!
We are a community that is stronger together. We are a community that can stand and will. We will come together and we will form a better county for the generations to come. We will not be silenced because it is our given right to speak up when there is wrong and injustice. We the people will establish a community that will lift each other up and stop tearing each other down. We will take our COUNTY BACK. We cannot go back to business as usual! The time is now!
The secret to change is to focus on all your energy on building the new, and letting go of the old. It is beautiful day in Dillon County!!! We the People have a lot to work to do, let’s get to work! I challenge my fellow citizens to speak out when you see wrong, inequality, or injustice because if you don’t, no one else will. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on! I Jacorie McCall, will always fight against inequality and injustice. I will protect it with all of my might. I will sacrifice my time so that this county and state can move forward. I will represent who Jesus is in my life and I WILL PASS IT ON! God bless you, God bless Dillon County, God bless the state of South Carolina, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Yours Truly,
Jacorie McCall
PO Box 1808
Dillon, SC 29536