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Maybe It's Just Me
I often wonder if other people are seeing the things that I see or is it just me? I have to believe that other people who live in our area are concerned about these things, but maybe....it is just me. I was recently riding down Interstate 85 (actually I was sitting in traffic on I-85) and I just happened to be sitting near the water tank that proudly proclaims in big, bold letters "Gwinnett Is Great." As I was sitting there, and sitting there, and sitting there, I started to look into the cars of the other asphalt captives and I noticed that the expression's on their faces did not seem to have the expressions that are usually associated with "greatness." I am not a lip reader but I did feel sure that I was able to pick up a few words that did not appear to begin with the letter G. Is it just me or does it appear that people are a little grumpy these days? Maybe it's just me.
As traffic started to move, I got off on Jimmy Carter Boulevard and, quite frankly, the place looks a little rough. Is it just me or does it appear that there is enough paint on the walls, fences and street signs in that area, in the form of graffiti, that we should perhaps change the slogan on the water tank to "Gwinnett is Graffiti?" Maybe it's just me but I am not sure that I would want to be in this area after dark. I had to look at my map again. Am I in Gwinnett County? It can't be. Does anybody else see what I see? Maybe it's just me.
I stopped at a local gas station to replenish the amount of gasoline that I had quietly burned on the Interstate. As I walked in to pay, my eyes caught the headline of a newspaper talking about home invasions. Is it just me or does it seem like we are hearing about more and more of this type of activity? I walked over to the cashier and was greeted by a very nice lady who did not speak English. Now don't get me wrong, I like diversity. I think that it adds a lot as we learn about other cultures and their backgrounds. But, I do think that we all need to speak the same language. Other countries that are multi-cultural and have allowed multi-lingual practices never seem to have the sense of cohesion that is necessary to keep their country unified. We must not become a country of factions, but rather remain a country of many cultures that are American first and always. Basic principles of communication must be present for all of us to rally around a common good. I don't know...maybe it's just me.
I know that I am starting to sound like a grump, but this is not he Gwinnett that I am accustomed to seeing. The Gwinnett that I know is a safe, friendly, and prosperous area that I have been proud to call my home for nearly 50 years. It is a place where I was raised and where I am raising my child. It bothers me that some of our old time residents are moving out because they do not feel safe. As much as we love our newcomers to the area, and there are plenty of them, we can never replace the foundational folks that made Gwinnett turn from a rural crossroads into what has been the envy of the entire country for many years. We better open our eyes and open them wide. Things are changing in Gwinnett and it is not all for the good. Is it too late? Of course not, but we no longer have the luxury of sitting back and saying that maybe things will get better. We have to make them better. It will only get better when we come together as a cohesive unit. People from our government, our law enforcement, our churches, and our citizens must declare war on those who intend to cause harm to our home. The time to stand up is now, not later. Look around. Are you happy with what you see? Maybe it's just me.
Maybe I was just having a bad day. Maybe I was just seeing things that no one else sees. Maybe I was just seeing things that no one else cares about. Maybe it's just me!
For further information, visit www.voice4victims.com
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