To the Editor,
John Stuart Mill, a 19th century English philosopher, wrote “… Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing…” We know who the bad men are; but, do we have any good men and women in our city and county governments? If we do they should be doing more than looking on and doing nothing with regards to the Mid-States Corridor. They have had many local “good men and women” read all the studies, publish the findings in easy to read formats and have even questioned the “experts” for them. All they need to do to be “good elected officials” is to take the work, done for them, and do the right thing. Stop the Mid-States Corridor Project.
The late Charlie Kirk said “Freedom is the ability to do what’s right without fear” and that’s all we are asking of Mayor Elkins, Mayor Vonderheide, their City councils and the Dubois County Council and Commissioners, to do what’s right for their constituents. The data has been presented to them repeatedly. Stop the Mid-States Corridor.
Almost 600 people attended the Property Rights Alliance’s (PRA) seven Community Events over the past 2 weeks and over 6,000 citizens have signed the petition to stop the Mid-States Corridor. The opposition is not a “couple of people” as some of our elected officials have stated. Since the opposition started close to 15,000 people have signed the petitions. To put this in context, the population of Dubois County is 44,000. The people are speaking, why aren’t our elected officials listening?
Several people who attended the Community Events were either hesitant or wouldn’t sign the petition. When asked why 2 reasons were oft repeated; they were afraid of retaliation by their employer or they feared their businesses would face retaliation. It’s horrifying to think that in today’s America, and especially in rural Southern Indiana, that American citizens would harbor these fears. Yet, here they are.
Do the people who support the Corridor really carry this much influence? In today’s world? Are our neighbors really this afraid of retaliation? If so, we have a serious problem. We should all be able to express our opinions without fear of retaliation. In fact, our legal system is designed so that we can face our accuser in a public forum without fear. It’s way past time for our elected leaders to come out and face their constituents.
The barbarians are at the gate and it’s time we force them to stand up and be counted. They need to stop hiding in their Council Chambers. The PRA invited every one of our elected officials to attend not only the Community Events but also the bi-weekly PRA Meeting. Only a couple have attended and then they just sat and would not participate. I ask why? Why won’t they speak in public? Why won’t they state their positions? Is it because they too are being threatened?
General McAuliffe’s reply of “NUTS”, when asked by the Nazi’s at the Battle of the Bulge if he was ready to surrender is exactly what we need to say to those who think they have the power to force the Mid-States Corridor onto us, without our consent. We all need to take every opportunity to spread the word that we will not be intimidated. We, the people, have the power. We, the people, will decide if the Mid-States Corridor will be built.
Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County
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2 COMMENTS
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The main opposition to the MSC seems to be from the land owners which do not represent the rest of the population in Martin County.
It is understandable that they resist change especially since it will personally affect them and their families. However, for the rest of us in the county it represents opportunity. Opportunity for change, jobs, and advancements that come from being connected to the rest of the world. Opportunities are born from transportation.
The early settlements grew around the rivers because that was where the main routes of transportation were. As time evolved Trains changed transportation and cities grew along the tracks, Loogootee was one of those. Now Air travel is the preferred means of transportation and we see cities growing around airports.
The lesson to be learned is that growth and wealth are synonymous with transportation and the opportunities that is provides.
I have seen the report concerning the economic development of Martin county and the city of Loogootee. In my opinion one of the single most influential things that can happen is for a new highway to link our community with the rest of the world. To stop this opportunity just means they will find an alternative and that area will enjoy the benefits that come with it. Stop it and we will slowly become just another fly-over town of the past.
Thank you,
Terry Norris
Resident of Loogootee and Martin Co.
The main opposition to the Mid-States Corridor comes not from the farmers but from the city dwellers. The cost is far too high and subsequently local taxes will have to go up. Yes, the Mid-States Corridor might change what it’s like to live, work and play in a rural setting. There are, or will be many, unintended consequences if the Corridor is built and most will not be beneficial to area residents. There is no connectivity problem as I-69 is only 10 minutes away. There is minimal traffic congestion; and, as we say about the weather, “Wait a few minutes and it will be gone”. If saving 5 minutes in one travel time is so important then one is living in the wrong country. The worst unintended consequence will be the relinquishment of US 231 by INDOT. What is today US 231 will become a Loogootee city street and Martin County road. There will be no federal or state maintenance repair or maintenance funds. Our taxes will have to increase to cover these new road maintenance costs. The Mid-States Corridor is unwanted and unneeded.
Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County