July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Supercenter 'fantastic' news
Editor's Mailbag
By To the editor:-
I would like to commend Jack Ronald on a very well-written piece, “Is a new Wal-Mart good news or bad?,” which appeared in The Commercial Review on June 17. Any good journalist knows there is a responsibility when covering a story (which may have opposing viewpoints) to ignite a spark of thinking in those who, up until then, hadn’t formed an opinion. You, without a doubt, succeeded in that cause.
To begin with, I would like to answer the question you asked your readers: A new Wal-Mart Supercenter is neither good news nor bad news ... it’s fantastic news.
You mentioned very eloquently the prospect of the changes that may occur in the form of problems (some substitute words like challenge or opportunity). It’s very easy to look at these possibilities and become discouraged, but we should take time each day to be thankful that some people in our past did not.
For example, imagine for a moment if the Pilgrims looked at the awesome energy of the Atlantic Ocean, how the waves crash against the shore with enough force to turn a ship into fragments of wood, and said, “Let’s just stay here; change is not worth it.”
What would the world be like today if Thomas Edison looked into the mirror, under candlelight, and thought, “These people are right. This light bulb thing has so many more cons than pros; it will never be useful or profitable.”?
The complex traffic issues you mentioned pale in comparison with what had to fall into place for Henry Ford’s automobile to get off the ground. Maybe he should have given up too?
Change is the only constant in our homes, lives and communities. We must look at where we are, compared to where we were, to even begin to realize how far we’ve come. Competition is a natural entity in business. If I was not ready to face it, I would not open a business. An eerily similar situation faced this community when Americable was meeting resistance from Triad CATV (all 13 channels). The owner of Triad screamed foul because if a “real” cable provider (55 channels) were allowed to the community they would drive him out of business which would given them a monopoly and monopolies were not right. If Americable were kept out that would allow Triad (and the 13 channels) to keep the monopoly. That was fair, according to reps from Triad. I’m still trying to figure that philosophy out.
Either we want economic development along with the issues that come along with growth or we want to remain “Mayberry.” There is no middle ground.
As for our economic development over the past few years, I see a definite trend towards helping existing facilities (such as those located in the new industrial park) have more lucrative options in which they can consider expanding locally. Wal-Mart has worked well in our community over the past several years so we should give them the same “open arms” treatment that went to Moser Engineering and Qualtech Tool & Engineering. This seems to be a classic example of the snowball effect which can help get the attention of other facilities within a 30-110-mile radius looking at Jay County as a possible home for their business. A Wal-Mart Supercenter would definitely contribute to this snowball.
Now, to the individuals who authored the letter explaining the pros and cons and why the community would be so much better without a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
When I turned on CNN this morning I saw more news about the war. You know the one that thousands of young men and women are fighting now to preserve and protect our freedom. Part of that freedom guaranteed by our forefathers in the Constitution is to live in a free enterprise system. I don’t know exactly how it works, but I’m told it’s somewhere along the lines that an individual or company is free to start a business wherever they please as long as they don’t violate my or your rights. (Yes, I think I read that somewhere). The key words are violate someone’s rights, not upset the “good ole boy” apple cart.
It’s true that many businesses could be affected by a bigger Wal-Mart. This usually means the customer gets a better product or products at a better cost and we don’t have to drive to Muncie twice a week because the stores that Mayberry currently supports do not have what we need. Many times with some businesses when other products are asked about we get a generic smile and political answer as to why our store really can’t get that. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some places I have dealt with here that have offered me the highest level of comfort and service and I would never give Wal-Mart the chance to replace them. Those businesses will survive.
If you really think about it, our local merchants have been competing with facilities such as Wal-Mart Supercenter for years whether they realize it or not. The large majority who wish to shop there have driven to Muncie or Bluffton and will continue to do so. The only questions that remain are: When I’m shopping at the Supercenter and I notice I’m low on gas, will I fill up my tank at a station on McGalliard Road (in Muncie) or at our Pak-A-Sak? When the kids suggest it’s time for lunch, do I pull into Wendy’s in Muncie or Arby’s here in town? I bet we could think about many scenarios like these.
Freedom can be summed up using one word: Choice. I should have the right to choose (or decide) for myself and you should have the right to choose for yourself. I should never have the right to choose what I feel is best for you. It amazes me when a small group feels they have the divine right to choose what is best for the majority (based on personal motives) and then hide behind the “it’s best for the community” banner.
If you think our current Wal-Mart was not a great idea, feel free not to shop there. I wouldn’t dream of violating your freedom. If you think a Wal-Mart Supercenter would not be a great idea also, make plans not to shop there either. But don’t tell me where you think I should be able to shop and why.
Choice is the purest form of censorship. If you don’t like what is on your TV, feel free to grab your remote and choose what you want; just don’t parade in front of my house telling me what you think I should be watching — even if you do think it would be best for the community.
Bottom line: If we want to scream to the world that we are “A Place to Grow,” then we need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I think a Wal-Mart Supercenter is the first step in the right direction and I hope all of you readers will express your feelings to the mayor, your council members and anybody else whose job it is to represent “we the people,” not “the few good ole boys.”
If you agree with anything I’ve stated in this letter, feel free to contact me. My number is in the book. I’ll make sure your opinions are passed on to those who will listen and who can make the difference.
Richard Clark
Portland[[In-content Ad]]
To begin with, I would like to answer the question you asked your readers: A new Wal-Mart Supercenter is neither good news nor bad news ... it’s fantastic news.
You mentioned very eloquently the prospect of the changes that may occur in the form of problems (some substitute words like challenge or opportunity). It’s very easy to look at these possibilities and become discouraged, but we should take time each day to be thankful that some people in our past did not.
For example, imagine for a moment if the Pilgrims looked at the awesome energy of the Atlantic Ocean, how the waves crash against the shore with enough force to turn a ship into fragments of wood, and said, “Let’s just stay here; change is not worth it.”
What would the world be like today if Thomas Edison looked into the mirror, under candlelight, and thought, “These people are right. This light bulb thing has so many more cons than pros; it will never be useful or profitable.”?
The complex traffic issues you mentioned pale in comparison with what had to fall into place for Henry Ford’s automobile to get off the ground. Maybe he should have given up too?
Change is the only constant in our homes, lives and communities. We must look at where we are, compared to where we were, to even begin to realize how far we’ve come. Competition is a natural entity in business. If I was not ready to face it, I would not open a business. An eerily similar situation faced this community when Americable was meeting resistance from Triad CATV (all 13 channels). The owner of Triad screamed foul because if a “real” cable provider (55 channels) were allowed to the community they would drive him out of business which would given them a monopoly and monopolies were not right. If Americable were kept out that would allow Triad (and the 13 channels) to keep the monopoly. That was fair, according to reps from Triad. I’m still trying to figure that philosophy out.
Either we want economic development along with the issues that come along with growth or we want to remain “Mayberry.” There is no middle ground.
As for our economic development over the past few years, I see a definite trend towards helping existing facilities (such as those located in the new industrial park) have more lucrative options in which they can consider expanding locally. Wal-Mart has worked well in our community over the past several years so we should give them the same “open arms” treatment that went to Moser Engineering and Qualtech Tool & Engineering. This seems to be a classic example of the snowball effect which can help get the attention of other facilities within a 30-110-mile radius looking at Jay County as a possible home for their business. A Wal-Mart Supercenter would definitely contribute to this snowball.
Now, to the individuals who authored the letter explaining the pros and cons and why the community would be so much better without a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
When I turned on CNN this morning I saw more news about the war. You know the one that thousands of young men and women are fighting now to preserve and protect our freedom. Part of that freedom guaranteed by our forefathers in the Constitution is to live in a free enterprise system. I don’t know exactly how it works, but I’m told it’s somewhere along the lines that an individual or company is free to start a business wherever they please as long as they don’t violate my or your rights. (Yes, I think I read that somewhere). The key words are violate someone’s rights, not upset the “good ole boy” apple cart.
It’s true that many businesses could be affected by a bigger Wal-Mart. This usually means the customer gets a better product or products at a better cost and we don’t have to drive to Muncie twice a week because the stores that Mayberry currently supports do not have what we need. Many times with some businesses when other products are asked about we get a generic smile and political answer as to why our store really can’t get that. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some places I have dealt with here that have offered me the highest level of comfort and service and I would never give Wal-Mart the chance to replace them. Those businesses will survive.
If you really think about it, our local merchants have been competing with facilities such as Wal-Mart Supercenter for years whether they realize it or not. The large majority who wish to shop there have driven to Muncie or Bluffton and will continue to do so. The only questions that remain are: When I’m shopping at the Supercenter and I notice I’m low on gas, will I fill up my tank at a station on McGalliard Road (in Muncie) or at our Pak-A-Sak? When the kids suggest it’s time for lunch, do I pull into Wendy’s in Muncie or Arby’s here in town? I bet we could think about many scenarios like these.
Freedom can be summed up using one word: Choice. I should have the right to choose (or decide) for myself and you should have the right to choose for yourself. I should never have the right to choose what I feel is best for you. It amazes me when a small group feels they have the divine right to choose what is best for the majority (based on personal motives) and then hide behind the “it’s best for the community” banner.
If you think our current Wal-Mart was not a great idea, feel free not to shop there. I wouldn’t dream of violating your freedom. If you think a Wal-Mart Supercenter would not be a great idea also, make plans not to shop there either. But don’t tell me where you think I should be able to shop and why.
Choice is the purest form of censorship. If you don’t like what is on your TV, feel free to grab your remote and choose what you want; just don’t parade in front of my house telling me what you think I should be watching — even if you do think it would be best for the community.
Bottom line: If we want to scream to the world that we are “A Place to Grow,” then we need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I think a Wal-Mart Supercenter is the first step in the right direction and I hope all of you readers will express your feelings to the mayor, your council members and anybody else whose job it is to represent “we the people,” not “the few good ole boys.”
If you agree with anything I’ve stated in this letter, feel free to contact me. My number is in the book. I’ll make sure your opinions are passed on to those who will listen and who can make the difference.
Richard Clark
Portland[[In-content Ad]]
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