The beginning of the End (or the end of the Beginning)
There are things that will end, that were fought for valiantly, honestly and with hope. As in every defeat there are things that are to be learned, and hopefully with the end of one thing, it will give rise to the birth of another.
The things I hope do not disappear completely:
Young people with vision and hope for a better future
Collaboration between people that want to see positive change
The possibility that a city so deeply entrenched in racial barriers from days past can overcome the divide and move forward
The things I realized yesterday were not pleasant, I am not sure that I want to pour all of my energy into an area that is so full of peoople intent on keeping the status quo which includes vacant, falling down buildings, drugs, crime, prostitution, poverty, trash, etc.
It's unfathomable to me that people can look at my neighborhood and think that it's doing well, and that current leadership has its residents best interests in mind. This being said, I'm not giving up the fight completely. I'm just going to focus on very specific problems and do what I can. What I know I will not do is invest my time or money into opening a business in this area. I own a home here and I will protect that interest, that is all.
7 comments:
i guess it didn't go well...
that sucks!
So no coffee shop - yet? Any thoughts on possibly looking at another location? In an area that DOES want to improve and change?
my thoughts were with you yesterday....
Didn't go well, in the sense that we lost. Good in the sense that we lost by a Very small margin.
it's no wonder that so many people are apathetic, when it seems like nothing gets done when you try to make a difference...
I envy you for even making the attempt at "going against city hall"...
As far as I'm concerned a good coffeeshop is the first sign a neighborhood is turning around
Of course, I would say that...
You are doing more than most. You are a heroine in my books for even taking it on. Others have just not evolved to your higher conciousness.
Some mutual friends and acquaintances of ours are trying to start an intentional, eco-friendly community between Seattle and Olympia. I am considering the possibility of joining. Is it better to face the bureaucratically stuck or separate as much as possible from them? I am not sure of signing on to an eco-friendly, intentional community.Hmmm... So many options, so little money, so little trust.
Have you ever considered having your coffee shop on a small island country ? From all my research the Dominican Republic is about the most amercican friendly place and the the exchange rate is very very good for the dollar. I had often fancied dropping out of society and having a little pub in a place like that.
have no idea what was attempted and failed....but sorry to hear it. still going to your city soon. didn't you say you lived in the same neighborhood as my dad?
Independent coffee shops have a hard time staying open here in Denver.The 2 we loved closed, one after 2 years because the landlord raised the rent 400%.
I love the first paragraph of this blog. It can mean a lot of different things to different people. For me, it gave me a little hope. Thanks, chickadee. Love you & miss you.
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