AFS Cinema
How About They Waive the Laws for Me?
RECEIVED Fri., Dec. 15, 2006
Dear Editor,
I was intrigued today when reading the stories about Wal-Mart. The substance of the various articles and letters was that the site-plan application met every one of the requirements and thus was fully in compliance with our laws and regulations, but darn it, we don't want it so our politicians should be free to reject it.
Makes me wonder, can I tap into this passion somehow to get someone to waive the laws and regulations so I can make my house larger than 2,300 square feet? Oh, I guess that would make it a "McMansion," and that's a bad thing. So the “rule of law” should only apply to things you agree with?
Thank goodness I don't have to make a living by being an Austin politician. I laughed out loud reading their tortured statements attempting to align with the neighborhoods while admitting they have to follow laws and regulations. I particularly liked the one who said she'd go to Bentonville and get down on her knees for the community. That was a hoot!
The city manager's solution was much more practical. In truth, probably every one of the council members, as well as most of the authors, probably have a conflict of interest in the matter by virtue of having retirement investments in the American economy, a not insignificant part of which are in one of its largest companies, Wal-Mart.
I don't mean to belittle anyone's concerns about this issue, but really, listen to yourselves.
I was intrigued today when reading the stories about Wal-Mart. The substance of the various articles and letters was that the site-plan application met every one of the requirements and thus was fully in compliance with our laws and regulations, but darn it, we don't want it so our politicians should be free to reject it.
Makes me wonder, can I tap into this passion somehow to get someone to waive the laws and regulations so I can make my house larger than 2,300 square feet? Oh, I guess that would make it a "McMansion," and that's a bad thing. So the “rule of law” should only apply to things you agree with?
Thank goodness I don't have to make a living by being an Austin politician. I laughed out loud reading their tortured statements attempting to align with the neighborhoods while admitting they have to follow laws and regulations. I particularly liked the one who said she'd go to Bentonville and get down on her knees for the community. That was a hoot!
The city manager's solution was much more practical. In truth, probably every one of the council members, as well as most of the authors, probably have a conflict of interest in the matter by virtue of having retirement investments in the American economy, a not insignificant part of which are in one of its largest companies, Wal-Mart.
I don't mean to belittle anyone's concerns about this issue, but really, listen to yourselves.
Tom Wiatt