And apparently not a minute too late if this recent article featuring Knox County government in the New York Times is any indicator.

“You would understand this desire if you had attended last week’s meeting of the Knox County Commission; that is, if you had the seven hours to spare. But since you probably weren’t there, and be thankful for that, here is a quick primer on local, uncivil civics so that you might appreciate the recent political clamor in this part of eastern Tennessee.”

Sad but unfortunately true, and it’s not recent it has been ongoing for too many years.

On a brighter note today is “Super Tuesday” when a big bunch of states, including Tennessee, hold their primary elections. A record voter turnout is predicted for Knoxville and Knox County. One of the best things our election commission has ever done was institute early voting; my wife and I voted last week with no crowds, no delays, just step up and cast your ballot.

The last paragraph of the NY Times story is especially meaningful. 

“Knox County of 2008 brings to mind the last scene of “Meet John Doe,” Frank Capra’s populist melodrama of 1941. The wiry newspaper editor turns to the just-thwarted political boss and, with great exclamation, says: “There you are, Norton, the people. Try and lick that!””

We’ll know if the people of Knoxville and Knox County spoke on Wednesday morning as well as what they said.

Personally I think we’re going to shout “ENOUGH!” very loudly.