Thursday, November 20, 2008
The other side of the coin
Those who know me would never feel compelled to call me a harbinger of happy days
or rush to embrace me as a proponent of optimistic dialogue. All too often, I suppose, I have opted on the side of pessimism and gloomy despair when confronting the issues that have gotten us into such a mess. I have railed against the politicians and the greedy corporate dunderheads who have brought misery and shame to our country and I don't hand out passes to any particular political party or major company.
If you are waiting for the 'but', here it is: BUT, in the spirit of the coming holidays, I would like to speak out of character and express my good fortune in knowing two people who have, by their unselfish contributions and services to their community and the people in it, somewhat diminished my somber outlook and given me reason to hope that there is another side of the coin. Paul and Sally Brown are well known to the people of Auburn to deserve that acclamation. Paul heads up the Winder chapter of 'Habitat for Humanity,' and Sally is a teacher and a council woman for the town. Both work tirelessly to help people in need and while both are deeply religious they do not just talk the talk. While we often hear about worldly figures that warrant our respect and admiration, all too often the little guys who give so much of their time and devotion to their fellow citizens go unrequited or unrecognized. I would like to therefore remedy this oversight by expressing my thanks and gratitude to these wonderful people who just won't let me go totally negative in my assessment of the world we live in. Every community should be so lucky.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
or rush to embrace me as a proponent of optimistic dialogue. All too often, I suppose, I have opted on the side of pessimism and gloomy despair when confronting the issues that have gotten us into such a mess. I have railed against the politicians and the greedy corporate dunderheads who have brought misery and shame to our country and I don't hand out passes to any particular political party or major company.
If you are waiting for the 'but', here it is: BUT, in the spirit of the coming holidays, I would like to speak out of character and express my good fortune in knowing two people who have, by their unselfish contributions and services to their community and the people in it, somewhat diminished my somber outlook and given me reason to hope that there is another side of the coin. Paul and Sally Brown are well known to the people of Auburn to deserve that acclamation. Paul heads up the Winder chapter of 'Habitat for Humanity,' and Sally is a teacher and a council woman for the town. Both work tirelessly to help people in need and while both are deeply religious they do not just talk the talk. While we often hear about worldly figures that warrant our respect and admiration, all too often the little guys who give so much of their time and devotion to their fellow citizens go unrequited or unrecognized. I would like to therefore remedy this oversight by expressing my thanks and gratitude to these wonderful people who just won't let me go totally negative in my assessment of the world we live in. Every community should be so lucky.
George Morin
Auburn, Ga.
