President's Report
We are fortunate to live in a very unique country. Last night, my wife and I
joined thousands of other folks at the Fourth of July celebration at Central Winds
Park. It was a great reminder that for almost two hundred and fifty years our
nation continues based on the principles of the founding fathers. It was an
experiment in government to form a democratic republic in the midst of a world
of monarchies. In some ways, dissent created America. The colonists were worn
out by the rule of the British Empire, and they felt that there was a better way, so
they voted for independence. I just finished reading a book by Nathaniel Philbrick
entitled, “Valiant Ambition”. It is a true account of George Washington and
Benedict Arnold and the fate of the American Revolution. It took five difficult
years and the help of the French to be able to win the war for independence. For
most of those years, the outcome of the rebellion was very much in doubt. One
decisive battle could have ended it and our founding fathers would have been
hanged for treason against the King. As I wrote earlier, dissent helped create our
country. We have the freedom of speech, and we can voice our feelings. But let
us also be aware that dissent can also destroy our country.
Benedict Arnold was one of Washington’s greatest generals. He
understood the enemy, and he faithfully led his men into battles where they were
successful. During the war, there were a lot of mistakes, poor decisions, and
jealous bickering among the generals on both sides. As the war progressed,
Arnold felt that he did not get the recognition that he was due. In many ways, he
was a loose cannon. He maneuvered his way into becoming the commander of
West Point. This fort on the Hudson River was the only thing that prevented the
British from control of the Hudson River and thus cutting off all of New England
from the other colonies. Arnold made a secret deal with the British to weaken
the fort so much that the British could walk in and take it. The plan was just hours
from taking effect until two militia men caught a British spy with the plan. If the
plan was successful, the war would have been over for the Americans. For the
American experiment to work, a way must be found to balance political freedom
with the need for political stability.
We are now in the midst of the 2022 political season. This month we have
primaries, and then it will be intense campaigning until the general election on
November eighth. There will be many political ads, texts, phone calls, and yard
signs from those who will be vying for your vote. Elections are a basic part of our
political process. The Tuscawilla Homeowner’s Association will be hosting a
“Candidates Night” on Thursday evening September fifteenth at the Tuscawilla
Country Club. This has been a tradition for our association. This evening will only
be for the three offices in the city that are up for election. There are two
Commission seats and the office of Mayor. Winter Springs has five City
Commissioners, and there is one Commissioner for each of our five city districts
However, the Commissioners are elected by all the residents of the city, and they
represent the whole city in their votes. We feel that it is important for you, the
residents of Tuscawilla, to have the opportunity to meet each candidate running
for office and give them the opportunity to share their reasons for seeking office.
Their future ideas and votes will affect our community. Remember that your vote
makes a difference.
It was so good to experience the spirit of patriotism at the Winter Springs
Fourth of July celebration. Our country is only as strong as there are selfless and
dedicated people working to keep it that way.
Dr. Kurt Miericke
THOA President
Publisher/Tuscawilla Today