Friday, October 14, 2011 —
There seems to be very few good things coming out of China these days —arsenic in apple juice and leaded paint on children’s toys are but two examples. But thousands of years ago, China had some very clear thinkers. One ancient Chinese proverb says: “In our every decision, we must consider its impact on the next seven generations.”
The dictionary says that 30 years is generally considered to be one generation, so the proverb admonishes us to look ahead roughly 200 years when faced with important decisions — that is a long time!
These days it seems difficult to anticipate how our decisions will play out over the next few months, let alone many years.
Locally, we are faced with a decision which will have long-term ramifications for our entire region and state. The issue of who controls the waters of the Yadkin River for the next 50 years is for our generation to decide.
And what it boils down to is this: do we want to take the long term view, or the short term view? Our county desperately needs jobs/opportunities for our citizens, and the offers reportedly being discussed between ALCOA and the commissioners are very attractive at first glance —many in our county are willing to jump at these offers.
I do understand the almost desperate situation of our jobless. But unfortunately, this is the short-term view. If we consider the effects on the next seven generations, there is no doubt that the public benefits of controlling the Yadkin River are much greater.
I have no good answers to the short-term issue of folks needing jobs now; perhaps Mr. Obama can help us — but as far as the next seven generations, I am convinced that “We the People” will be better off by recapture of the public waterway.
Bill Burnside
Albemarle
Letters to the Editor
The Next Seven Generations
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We are not the bad guy
This letter is for staff writer Ian Faulkner. You do not seem to think the threat from North Korea is serious. Read your history of war. I’m glad that our country takes it serious.
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Citizens need to participate in health assessment
The Stanly County Health Department is partnering with Stanly Regional Medical Center to conduct a community health assessment.
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New bill would help business
I am writing in reference to a new “open competition” auto insurance bill that was introduced in the N.C. House and Senate.
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Respect the graves
As far back as I can remember, as far back as my grandparents could remember there has always been a clump of trees located across from Centerview Church, up on the hill, on the Northeast Connector.
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Encouragement
How refreshing each week to read the article written by Doug Creamer.
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Permit me
On Sept. 4, 2012, I received a letter from Stanly Co. Office of Planning and Zoning. Thus began a string of four office visits to obtain information that could have been provided sooner.
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What is unethical?
I am writing in response to your article “Unethical Conduct leads mayor to question board’s actions.”
As a cancer survivor, I am appalled at the actions of Mayor Danny Long. -
Community comes together for child
Jan. 13, I witnessed an extraordinary event at a fundraiser for a baby at Bob’s Family Restaurant in Midland.
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Applauding the commissioners
In response to the recent article by Brian Graves regarding Clean Tech, I think that our county commissioners should be commended for their stand against Clean Tech’s offering jobs in exchange for Alcoa to be relicensed to operate the hydro dams on the Yadkin-Pee Dee.
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Budget tips
The government has a problem with the budget. Why? The Republicans and the Democrats blame one another. Why? Don’t they both spend the money? Foolishly.
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We are not the bad guy
