Pursuit of knowledge

“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” James Madison

The thing that cripples many people when it comes to religion or politics is the fear of appearing to have a lack of knowledge on one subject or another. I prefer to look at it as only a fool professes to be all knowing.

I recently asked my county commissioner for clarification on an issue. He denied responsibility and when I offered evidence to support my position, he said “I am wasting my time talking to you. Get out of my office.” I remembered the county judge recently had a similar reaction to the local news media.

I am not foolish enough to believe an honest dialog can take place with a politician. It appears they are of the opinion if you don’t swallow their propaganda hook line and sinker, you are an idiot.

Consider the Favorite Quote on Kelly Snells’ Facebook page.

After visiting with Commissioner Snell, I can picture him longing for the days when Heretics were boiled in oil. Like he believes he is divinely endowed with the office and any question of his actions is heresy.

This is the actual quote, unmolested by the perversion of political delusion:

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."

--letter to Morris Raphael Cohen, professor emeritus of philosophy at the College of the City of New York, defending the controversial appointment of Bertrand Russell to a teaching position, March 19, 1940.

Snell was asked about a social media forum for the Commissioner Pct. 1 contest. His response “I said a long time ago I’m not going to be concerned by something I can’t control, and I can’t control what’s on a free Facebook page.”

Not surprising that this turned up.

Let there be no doubt, Kelly Snell REALLY likes Kelly Snell.

There were two specific items I was attempting to gain clarity on:
1. The Texas Constitution requires government to hold a public hearing before taking action to increase total tax revenue. That is a constitutional limitation on government. Notice the law does not say increase the tax rate, it covers any increase in revenue. You decide if the error is trivial.

2. On August 17th, 2011, a letter was drafted in the office of the Criminal District Attorney of McLennan County by Alex J. Bell. In the letter, he indicates the jail magistrate is in violation of the Texas Constitution for holding two offices of emolument. This appears to be a constitutional limitation on government. Commissioners voted to continue with the services of the magistrate even though the District Attorney's office said he was in violation of the Texas Constitution. Here is a link to that correspondence.
http://www.pasotx.com/Snell/DA%20Ltr%20081711.pdf