Straight From the Mike: It’s Later Than We Think
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Let us not forget the three virtues that should form the foundation of one’s being: Faith, Hope and Charity. For me, the virtue that so exemplifies the state of affairs in our community today is hope, or the lack thereof.
One has to be concerned with our community, especially when it comes to public safety, quality of life and our daily well-being. If you are like me, you keep your head moving like its on a swivel whether your are walking, driving, or riding as a passenger. I cringe every time I see a person, especially a woman, multitasking while on the phone. She can be fueling her car, but on the phone. Exiting a store and walking to her car; on the phone. Using the ATM, on the phone. I do not mean to be sounding like Officer Friendly but incidents happen ever so quickly.
Is there any wonder why the gas lines at Costco, BJ’s and Kroger are so busy? The price is a factor, of course, but safety is a huge plus factor. You know vigilance is close by and they are checking things out. It is a safe haven for women because attendant(s) are on duty and close by.
In the words of a valiant civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, the ‘Misery Index’, in my opinion, is at an uncomfortable level. It seems so many people are in a hurry, patience is short, traffic courtesies are scarce, and horn usage is constant.
Additionally, it is concerning to me how many people I am meeting that have issues, questions, needs and seeking advice but are frustrated because they feel no one wants to help or is willing to make the time to even listen. You may call your representative or public official and get better luck than most folk I talk with in the community. How did we make it without voicemail, email and text? Regardless, they seem to go unanswered. Too often, by my standards, you can leave a message with staff and yet, still crickets.
Perhaps it is beyond the pail, people in authority no longer feel beholden to those who got them to where they are. It would be disingenuous of me if I were to allow pessimism to overtake the virtue I mentioned earlier: Hope. Keep calling, keep writing and find a way to get in their face and to listen to what you need to say.
Also, I strongly suggest you find a way to hug a cop and thank he or she for their service and protection. It is getting rough out here.
Hey, I do have some exciting news to share. A new and impressive looking beverage store has opened in our community. Prohibition Liquors is now in the Providence Pavilion on Veterans Highway. They deserve our support and they will sure get mine. It’s great to see a Black owned business expanding into our community.