Walmart the Bulldozer

Sometimes I feel like I'm almost gone...

In this County and town where I live, there someday will be a new Walmart Distribution Center. The land has been purchased and the commissioners voted to go for it. The majority of the people don't want it. But, such is the democratic process of representative government.  The majority rule applies to who gets voted into office to make the decisions for the rest of us.

The Chamber of Commerce, other business representatives , and the county commission, claim that what is needed most is jobs and a broader tax base. This is true, of course.

Then, there is a contingent, adamant that this not be built because it will tax the health of the environment by causing air and water pollution. They are concerned that the laid back traditional ambience of small town living will die. They are also concerned that so many trucks driving by the schools and through the small towns on the road is not only a traffic hazard, but has the potential for serious noise pollution.

Then there are those whose land and businesses are right next to this place and their farms are in danger because of the acres of asphalt that will be poured and toxins will run off onto their land when trucks are washed and when it rains.

There has not been a strong voice come forth with a proposal to create a polytechnic type training center, an extension of the community college system or otherwise. What if there was an available training site for learning trades and business skills which resulted in establishing businesses in the community?  The notion has been presented, but the economic crisis is apparently too great to step back, plan, and function long range for the future of this rural area.

The Walmart Distribution Center is scheduled to be built.   The political structure is the subservient ally to the economic tyrant. End of story.

I would like to see a polytechnic operating here. At the School Board, there is a lot of stirring of the vocational education pot. It needs an interface with what the area needs. But, it also needs funding to make it happen.  At this point, I'm not clear of anything else I can do, except write this blog. I could send it to the local journal as a letter to the editor. I also am feeling like the impotent ally of the economic bulldozer. 

What is it going to take to create the world we want?