Take Back the Cape ‘fan’ asks everyone to get involved
To the editor:
There at times seem to be some floating ideas and allegations about the group, “Get Out and VoteTake Back the Cape!” and some people in the position of influence in our city have come out against the group. I just want to set some minds to ease and maybe put a different mindset in those who speak and think ill of the group.
First, let me start by saying I am only a fan of the page. I do not control anything that takes place with the page nor do I have any influence over the direction of the page. I, like the 1,000-plus fans, can only participate in an open forum and talk about the issues at hand.
Let me tackle the “Take Back the Cape” phrase since that seems to occur more often than the rest. Again I can only speak on behalf of myself and this does not in any way reflect the thoughts of the page, but to me “Take Back the Cape” refers to a statement that is supposed to echo through the times. For too long have few citizens voted on behalf of all residents of Cape Coral. To get out the vote is taking back the Cape from the few and giving the voice to all, no matter how that vote turns out. To do this we must educate and expand the knowledge of residents of local events and politics. What happens at the city level does affect what happens to us on a daily basis. The goal to me here at the Facebook page is to educate and inform. Spread the word about the importance of voting. There is no “cult” or “shadow government” that some have suggested and I assure you there is not a single terrorist in the group trying to bring the city down.
Now at times it does seem to weigh heavily on one side through the discussions on the page. The answer I give is because the majority is unhappy with what is happening with the one-sided government we seem to have at times. Today and previously in Cape Coral we have had a select few actually in charge of the city and the majority of us are learning and coming out in larger groups against this. We are tired of the direction that has been laid before us and we wish only to make Cape Coral a better place for all. There is no grand scheme to bring back the old spending days of the Cape. Those are long gone. Our lessons have been learned. We, like those who think lowly of the group, just want to make Cape Coral the best city we can!
To me, if I were the side attacking the group, it would seem to make more sense to put my resources to better use and listen to what such a large group has to say. Politics is never easy, and we as a whole have lost sight what democracy is truly about. No one side is supposed to have their way. It’s about bringing both items to the table and finding middle ground to make each side happy. We’re all not going to win, it cannot happen. But we can respect each other and come together to make Cape Coral the place to be with the proper common sense.
Get Out and Vote should not be feared but treasured! So many people wanting to be involved in our city to make it a better place for us today, and our kids tomorrow. If you differ from that opinion that’s OK, that’s what makes our country so great. But I ask you keep an open mind and get involved. At times you might stand with few but at least you stand for something and there is something better out there for all of us, but we must be willing to work together to achieve it.
Richard Leon
Cape Coral