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[Johnny French]

Another goody from the Caller-Times:

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URL: http://www.caller.com/ccct/letters_to_the_editor/article/0,1641,CCCT_841_4235765,00.html
Letters to the Editor: 11.13.05
November 13, 2005

Petitions work

A recent Caller-Times editorial critical of three Corpus Christi petitions was cleverly written, but poorly reasoned.

Our forefathers petitioned George III, complaining of the high British tax on tea. That petition failed, but it started a revolution. It was followed by gunshots at Concord and by a ragtag group of farmers hopelessly outmanned by a mighty, well-trained, well-equipped British army. The wise drafters of our Constitution saw fit to include Amendment number one the "right of petition." Words of pioneer orator, Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty or give me death," motivated the farmer army.

A Corpus Christi petition saved us from a giveaway of our $24 million waterfront to Landry's. The proposed lease agreement, poorly negotiated by the city's hired attorneys, allowed Landry to use public property with no property tax and only nominal rents. Mayor Neal listened and began renegotiation. Landry's, refusing to pay a fair rent, withdrew from the agreement. This was a good result for the people of Corpus Christi, thanks to the right of petition, a basic liberty.

What is important is the people's right of petition itself, and not whether any petition itself is a success or failure. A failed petition of Boston pioneers crystallized citizen dissent and produced a great nation. The right to petition, even failed petitions, can produce good results today, even in Corpus Christi.

Glynn A. Pugh