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Show Page 10 The Ogden Valley News Volume XXX Issue V December 15, 2022 BE RESOLVED cont. from page 3 quences. An explosion of violence, crime, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, and out-of-wedlock births undermines the blessings of liberty and prosperity.” Commenting on the terrorist and hijacking frenzy that occurred around the world throughout the late 1970s, Benjamin Netanyahu makes a great point that can also be applied to the current rise of mob action and street riots especially prevalent in the last couple of years across America. Such lawlessness obliterates the foundation of civilization and cultivates and supports the perspective that the “wild west” mentality is o.k.; that lawlessness is o.k.—that the end justifies the means. It does not. Netanyahu then adds a profound truism: that the choice of means reveals the true aims of the lawless. While the lawless may declare that it is freedom and human rights for which they are marching and causing so much damage, those who trample upon human rights and human dignity are no defenders of freedom and democracy. “They have a totalitarian mind-set that recognizes no limits to power. When they actually gain power, they inevitably create not democracies but fearful dictatorships that continue to terrorize their subjects. The choice of means reveals what the true aims are. This fundamental truth is revealed over and over again…” as exemplified throughout the history of the world. Today’s Western Liberal Democracy “faith crisis” has been brought on by extremely well-organized groups that have billions and billions of dollars at stake. Back in the day, empire fought empire for wealth and power through traditional warfare. Today, the most powerful weapon is technological advancements in communication and communication distribution using social media and advanced logarithms to shape social views and cultural norms whereby just about any political view or perspective can be pedaled and made palatable—especially to the young who have little institutional memory or memory of a better way. Successful propaganda seems to be no respecter of age, socioeconomic status, nor even education. No one is immune to sophisticated arguments and propaganda measures, repeated and reaffirmed messages designed to influence opinion on a massive scale—as history clearly bears out. How was almost an entire nation—even the majority of the whole Western world for a time—made to believe that Nazism was a wonderful thing, and even to be admired? How could almost an entire nation turn a blind eye to the human atrocities that were occurring on an ever-increasing scale, causing the suffering and death of millions among them? Unfortunately, while it seems that humans are not immune from the wile and guile of propaganda, propaganda is immune to human empathy, compassion, and even reason. If Americans do not stand strong in defending their nation and their national sovereignty and truth, liberty, freedom, and democratic principles—Western Liberalism— what other nation will be powerful enough to do so? What other nation will be able to stand up to the collective power of authoritarian rule? Dinesh D’Souza, in his book America: Imagine a World Without Her, sums it up this way. “Whether we like it or not, this is the American moment in world history…. In previous crises there were great Americans who showed leadership, and ordinary Americans who showed commitment and heroism; together, they vindicated the American experiment. So, what will be our legacy? Will we keep the flag flying, or will we submit to progressive self-destruction and go down with a whimper? I believe we will prove up to the task of restoration. But in any event, this is our turn at the wheel, and history will judge us based on how we handle it. Decline is a choice, but so is liberty. Let us resolve as Americans to make liberty our choice.” Be resolved…. Ogden Valley Incorporation FEASIBILITY STUDY MISSION STATEMENT CORE VALUES FEASIBILITY STUDY The effort to investigate the feasibility of incorporating Ogden Valley is based on the fundamental premise that local self-governance is the most effective form of good governance; therefore, the desire for: Ogden Valley is an inclusive community committed to protecting its unique quality of life shaped by its rural, agricultural tradition and core values. It is recognized that it is this tradition that has and continues to make both living in and visiting Ogden Valley so desirable. These core values include respect and protection of: Per Utah state code, before incorporation of a new legal entity—a town or city—can be considered, a feasibility study is required. The study, by an unbiased third-party, provides five-year budget projections to evaluate if the newly proposed incorporated entity can sustain current municipal services without increasing taxes within a five-year period. The current petition requests the completion of such a feasibility study. By signing the petition, you are not agreeing to support or vote for incorporation. A request to sign a petition in support of incorporating will be forthcoming at a future date only if the feasibility study shows that the newly proposed city would be economically viable. 1. Local Leadership: Locally elected leaders dedicated to supporting the Ogden Valley community and its mission, vision, and core values as expressed in the 2016 Ogden Valley General Plan. 2. Local Representation: Leaders from the community who represent the community, assuring residents’ voices are heard, weighed, and implemented through accountable executive, legislative, and administrative decision-making processes. • • • • • • • • • • • Property and Water rights A rural lifestyle Dark skies Clean air Clean and adequate water supplies, including groundwater and groundwater recharge areas such as seeps, springs, wetlands, and waterways Wildlife and wildlife habitat Agricultural lands and Open Space Agricultural infrastructure supportive of OV’s agricultural tradition Agricultural production and its economic contribution to the community Safe and friendly neighbors and neighborhoods Sustainable recreational opportunities GENERAL AREA TO BE INCORPORATED Phase 1: Feasibility Study - Late 2023 Independent consultant hired by Lt. Governor’s office to validate proposed city’s revenues will cover projected costs. Phase 2: Petition to Incorporate - 2024 Local residents request Lt. Governor’s office add incorporation decision on next election ballot. Phase 3: Vote to Incorporate - 2024 Local residents vote whether or not to incorporate. Passes by simple majority. Phase 4: Incorporation Implementation - 2025 Local residents elect city leadership and begin the process of setting up city government. For more info visit Ogden Valley Incorporation Facebook page or email ovincorporation@gmail.com. |