A few weeks had passed since I attended a really serious meeting
of concerned Hollister citizens. The topic of concern was the
growing gang activities in our area, and the actions needed to
combat the problem. The causes seemed to be generally attributed to
poverty, unemployment, low self esteem, no leadership and lack of
family values.
Editor,
A few weeks had passed since I attended a really serious meeting of concerned Hollister citizens. The topic of concern was the growing gang activities in our area, and the actions needed to combat the problem. The causes seemed to be generally attributed to poverty, unemployment, low self esteem, no leadership and lack of family values.
Now here I am again part of a fairly sizable gathering of locals at the Veterans Hall debating the merits of a proposed casino to be built in the area. Well as I sat there listening to the pros and cons of the effect on our fair community, it seemed that the antis wailed most eloquent on the dire effects such an establishment will have on the family values of our society!
“Really,” I thought. If the presence of such business was a contribution to the lowering of “family values,” how could the values to those families of a better job base, healthcare and far better working conditions. The temptation to gamble faces us all everyday. The liquor store, gas stations, super markets, all offer state-run lotteries available to everyone.
Shall we shut them down? If we voted them in, there went a good portion of our family values.
Jobs! We need jobs, the crows cries and our most honorable civic leaders echoed the same. Now I’m willing to bet, excuse the term, that four years from today the cries will be the same at another town hall meeting. Someone seated nearby remarked, “Now here we have seen democracy in action!” Or did we?
But take heart dear readers. We still have the promise of the huge proceeds generated by our Fourth of July Motorcycle Rally! Who needs the few measly dollars from a casino operation? ‘Nuff Said!
W.D. Barber, Hollister
