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There are people in the position of discerning that a lot better than you or any other joe blow citizen who don't know all the intricacies, facts and details. I'll just let them do their jobs.
That's fine, I guess. It's wonderful that you have such faith in them. But some don't. Some in fact feel it is a citizen's responsibility to question their leaders on every expense and decision. Keeps them on their toes, keeps them in line, keeps them remembering whose money they're spending. There is nothing shameful, disgraceful, or disrespectful in trying to find out whether the amount of our money our officials spend on something is in line with how much we want them to spend on it, regardless of what the money is being spent on. I don't care if we're talking about a police officer's funeral or trees being planted in a median. There is an amount of money that's okay, and an amount at which it becomes too much. For those of us without blind faith in our leaders, questioning is a necessary part of finding out where that line is.
That's fine, I guess. It's wonderful that you have such faith in them. But some don't. Some in fact feel it is a citizen's responsibility to question their leaders on every expense and decision. Keeps them on their toes, keeps them in line, keeps them remembering whose money they're spending. There is nothing shameful, disgraceful, or disrespectful in trying to find out whether the amount of our money our officials spend on something is in line with how much we want them to spend on it, regardless of what the money is being spent on. I don't care if we're talking about a police officer's funeral or trees being planted in a median. There is an amount of money that's okay, and an amount at which it becomes too much. For those of us without blind faith in our leaders, questioning is a necessary part of finding out where that line is.
Then be present and accounted for and on the record at the budget meetings, that is when these things are decided. Not when an Officer has lost his life. That is disrespectful and insensitive to say the least.
Our son a Denver patrolman passed away from brain tumor 20 years ago,every officer from his district attended with other officers from other districts covering.We were escorted by 6 motorcycle patrolmen.
We were given a patrol officer and vehicle for whatever was needed.He took us out to dinner.Officers from around the area attended along with the Police Chief.A large discount on funeral and offered assistance in paying for it and medical bills if necessary.They voluntered any help we might need.
My point is they are a tight knit family.Are you going to complain about this cost,it lifted our spirits very much.
I personally think this is a valid topic from the standpoint of learning what the customs and traditional practices are for this type of sad, yet solemn occasion.
I may not have asked the question in the same phraseology, but I can't see the reason for the attacks on the OP and the fact he raised this question in a forum for sharing points of view on events in our area.
That being said, I wish everyone a pleasant evening. Time for me to move along.
That's fine, I guess. It's wonderful that you have such faith in them. But some don't. Some in fact feel it is a citizen's responsibility to question their leaders on every expense and decision. Keeps them on their toes, keeps them in line, keeps them remembering whose money they're spending. There is nothing shameful, disgraceful, or disrespectful in trying to find out whether the amount of our money our officials spend on something is in line with how much we want them to spend on it, regardless of what the money is being spent on. I don't care if we're talking about a police officer's funeral or trees being planted in a median. There is an amount of money that's okay, and an amount at which it becomes too much. For those of us without blind faith in our leaders, questioning is a necessary part of finding out where that line is.
Give me a break - if our OP really felt he has a "responsibility to question leaders" he wouldn't be here wasting his time stirring the pot. He'd actually go get involved with the political process, attend every city council meeting, run for office himself or at least volunteer for citizens advisory councils.
I vote for the folks I trust to do the job I myself don't have the time, experience or inclination to do. When they lose my trust my vote goes elsewhere, and I save my anger and angst for things that really matter, like hungry children.
I personally think this is a valid topic from the standpoint of learning what the customs and traditional practices are for this type of sad, yet solemn occasion.
I may not have asked the question in the same phraseology, but I can't see the reason for the attacks on the OP and the fact he raised this question in a forum for sharing points of view on events in our area.
That being said, I wish everyone a pleasant evening. Time for me to move along.
Unless you are in that family of band of brothers/sisters, it is none of the general publics business. They want it that way and I am certain that is the way it will stay. Asking who footed the bill for fuel as the OP did, is not what you have mentioned here.
Give me a break - if our OP really felt he has a "responsibility to question leaders" he wouldn't be here wasting his time stirring the pot. He'd actually go get involved with the political process, attend every city council meeting, run for office himself or at least volunteer for citizens advisory councils.
I vote for the folks I trust to do the job I myself don't have the time, experience or inclination to do.
I'm not discussing what the OP felt, or his pot-stirring, or his motivation for questioning the expense. He doesn't matter to me, except that he asked the question that others are saying shouldn't be asked. I am simply saying that there is nothing wrong with questioning the expense of a funeral. I for damned sure ain't defending his style of posing the question. Y'all want to think he's insensitive, it'd be hard to argue with you. But when someone says it's disgraceful or disrespectful to question how tax dollars are spent, I disagree and will say so. That's all. I'm not saying we spent too much on this funeral -- just that it's okay to ask whether we did or not.
I'm not discussing what the OP felt, or his pot-stirring, or his motivation for questioning the expense. He doesn't matter to me, except that he asked the question that others are saying shouldn't be asked. I am simply saying that there is nothing wrong with questioning the expense of a funeral. I for damned sure ain't defending his style of posing the question. Y'all want to think he's insensitive, it'd be hard to argue with you. But when someone says it's disgraceful or disrespectful to question how tax dollars are spent, I disagree and will say so. That's all. I'm not saying we spent too much on this funeral -- just that it's okay to ask whether we did or not.
As chromekitty has already said, the time to ask about those expenses is not after an officer has died and been honored at his funeral. THAT is disrespectful.
The time to ask those questions is at city council and budget committee meetings. Feel free to attend and ask away
No, it isn't "horrifying".....the drama in all of this is quite funny.
A billion dollar funeral is over the top and dramatic, not to mention unrealistic.
But, that's ok, people can keep worrying about a cost that is already budgeted in with cash sitting in coffers year to year but don't say a peep about the county manager giving money away like its no big deal.
Of course a billion dollar funeral is over the top -- that was the point. If it had cost that much, surely you'd question whether that was necessary, no? Well, others begin questioning before they get to that point. My point is that it's okay to question how much money the government spends on anything. We should.
And yes, I think it's also fair to question how the county manager spends money, so I'm not sure what your point is there.
The point is it isn't even something to be questioned period!!!!
Every one is whining an moaning about the fuel for a LEO's funeral but I haven't seen a soul on here questioning Harry Jones for paying out big bucks to the lady, Crockett who just retired or the one before her. Guarantee you what was paid out there far exceeds what the city paid in fuel for the funeral procession and those things are budgeted in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chromekitty
Then be present and accounted for and on the record at the budget meetings, that is when these things are decided. Not when an Officer has lost his life. That is disrespectful and insensitive to say the least.
You've confused me a little here. Are you saying it is indeed okay to question this, but only at budget meetings? If so, I guess we don't really have much of a disagreement, except that I think it's also fine to raise the question on a forum like this.
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