This Land Is Our Land
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07-18-2004 | 06:18 PM
#8
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,381
Likes: 526
From: Clifton, VA
That just about sums it up! The arrogance of politicians and the big money interest groups that think that "they" own this land! The "native American" was a very poignant touch, with the "mallization" of America that is taking away the work of many, including family business' that were generations in the making. Where family owned business's thrived for generations now those people are working in a Walmart, Toys R Us, a Home Depot or an outlet mall for minimum wage to about $8.00 per hour.
I don't want to start a polical debate here. But, I wonder it one really is honest with one's self. We let it happen. Just like the politicians that need to get elected or stay in office they look at the immediate future, not a long term plan that is what is best for the country. On the other hand, we have supported the national chain stores at the cost of our communities. In the town where my mother lives (Riverhead, Long Island, NY) the main street is a "ghost town" of empty store fronts. The local department store (Sweezy's) went out of business after one hundred and three years due to the outlet mall. The local hardware was done in by Home Depot, the local toy store by Toys R Us. So families that made living incomes now face the prospect of their children making $8.00 an hour.
On the other hand, our politicians that are millionaires (Bush) and billionaires (Kerry) will continue to thrive in a two party system. Why? Because we let it happen!
I don't want to start a polical debate here. But, I wonder it one really is honest with one's self. We let it happen. Just like the politicians that need to get elected or stay in office they look at the immediate future, not a long term plan that is what is best for the country. On the other hand, we have supported the national chain stores at the cost of our communities. In the town where my mother lives (Riverhead, Long Island, NY) the main street is a "ghost town" of empty store fronts. The local department store (Sweezy's) went out of business after one hundred and three years due to the outlet mall. The local hardware was done in by Home Depot, the local toy store by Toys R Us. So families that made living incomes now face the prospect of their children making $8.00 an hour.
On the other hand, our politicians that are millionaires (Bush) and billionaires (Kerry) will continue to thrive in a two party system. Why? Because we let it happen!
07-18-2004 | 07:11 PM
#9
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 32,737
Likes: 1,497
From: Randolph, NJ
Originally Posted by matt_inva,Jul 18 2004, 10:18 PM
That just about sums it up! The arrogance of politicians and the big money interest groups that think that "they" own this land! The "native American" was a very poignant touch, with the "mallization" of America that is taking away the work of many, including family business' that were generations in the making. Where family owned business's thrived for generations now those people are working in a Walmart, Toys R Us, a Home Depot or an outlet mall for minimum wage to about $8.00 per hour.
I don't want to start a polical debate here. But, I wonder it one really is honest with one's self. We let it happen. Just like the politicians that need to get elected or stay in office they look at the immediate future, not a long term plan that is what is best for the country. On the other hand, we have supported the national chain stores at the cost of our communities. In the town where my mother lives (Riverhead, Long Island, NY) the main street is a "ghost town" of empty store fronts. The local department store (Sweezy's) went out of business after one hundred and three years due to the outlet mall. The local hardware was done in by Home Depot, the local toy store by Toys R Us. So families that made living incomes now face the prospect of their children making $8.00 an hour.
I don't want to start a polical debate here. But, I wonder it one really is honest with one's self. We let it happen. Just like the politicians that need to get elected or stay in office they look at the immediate future, not a long term plan that is what is best for the country. On the other hand, we have supported the national chain stores at the cost of our communities. In the town where my mother lives (Riverhead, Long Island, NY) the main street is a "ghost town" of empty store fronts. The local department store (Sweezy's) went out of business after one hundred and three years due to the outlet mall. The local hardware was done in by Home Depot, the local toy store by Toys R Us. So families that made living incomes now face the prospect of their children making $8.00 an hour.
I happen to agree with you about the small retailer being displaced by the Wal-marts and the Home Depots of the country. I too think it a shame and a dangerous situation.
There are those who would say that if the smaller business cannot compete with the bigger business, if they can't increase their efficiency and find ways to compete, they don't deserve to survive. The free market left to it's own devices, they claim, sorts all of this out, and those that should survive manage to survive. How do you answer that?
07-19-2004 | 04:54 AM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne!
I absolutely agree with you Matt - the native American scene was most touching and reflected the true heart of the satirist's intent.
Ralper I think the only answers are to legislate (yes, I do support government intervention to protect communities), to have people put their community ahead of their hip pocket (which unfortunately is rarely succesfull) or to have the local shopkeepers add value to their retail offerings (i.e. make shopping an experience which is sufficently attractive to justify the additional cost).
Unfortunately for may communities the last option has resulted in their town centre becoming what is in effect a tourist attraction appealing to weekend shoppers from afar rather than from local consumers. This can further reduce the local community spirit if not managed carefully.
Call me pinko commo if you must but I still believe government legislation is needed if you don't want to rip the heart and soul out of the small towns.
Ralper I think the only answers are to legislate (yes, I do support government intervention to protect communities), to have people put their community ahead of their hip pocket (which unfortunately is rarely succesfull) or to have the local shopkeepers add value to their retail offerings (i.e. make shopping an experience which is sufficently attractive to justify the additional cost).
Unfortunately for may communities the last option has resulted in their town centre becoming what is in effect a tourist attraction appealing to weekend shoppers from afar rather than from local consumers. This can further reduce the local community spirit if not managed carefully.
Call me pinko commo if you must but I still believe government legislation is needed if you don't want to rip the heart and soul out of the small towns.