Removing Gum From My Shoe

If I tell the truth, (I always do), and if I make that truth gentle (and I usually do that), I will state very firmly but sweetly, that I am embarrassed by our tagline, .  I remember the first time I heard it, as well as many times in between as well as the current reference to it in The . The article, dated Sunday January 15th, 2012, written by Sharon Stone, encourages readers to submit Fenton taglines.  In this article hopeful  people will offer their phrase to replace the current one, with no promise what so ever that it will in fact change a thing. It's simply a fun exercise, sans hoola hoop to fuel the flames of controversy. 

We in the city of Fenton were never consulted before the current tagline was put into place, although, even Prince Charming when searching for Cinderella, had at least the good sense to see if the shoe fit before marrying his girl. It simply got pushed over onto people one day and up went the billboards and everyone who was anyone had to explain the whole concept of the thing. Have you ever cleaned up the house after a birthday party for 30 or so 7-year-olds and wished you could just move out and leave the mess for the new owner?  It felt something like that.

I don't know whether to follow times writer Sharon Stone, casting rose petals or if I should simply, stop taking the paper entirely.  I don't think for one moment that cutting out the 'Be Closer' theme would stop the feeling of not being consulted for such an important thing as identity.  One day, Fenton was hijacked by the very DDA that was supposed to have us all in mind.

Perhaps it would be beneficial to consider the small fact that one tiny combination of words cannot possibly capture the hearts and minds of all the people, speak to outside people inspiring them to visit here and even fit on a billboard. 

I love Fenton in a very unreasonable way, it means home, work, family and my future.  I proudly write my address and would wear the word "Fenton" on my jacket, put it on my car while waving proudly.  I was not born here, but here is where I intend to live for the rest of my life.  If by a twist of fate I have to rescind that, I will think fondly of my time here and credit it, and my family with restoring my zest for life. 

When you read the Tri-County Times and the Hotlines inside you might get a very poor picture of the a good portion of the people here.  That is the best way to admit the truth of people who hide behind some very mean comments and call it freedom of speech.  Where else can you read the writing of a student who lives responsibly and morally, but describes himself as 'atheist', and that little comment is blasted to you know where by people who call themselves Christian. 

True Christians realize that the search for God, is a journey to true love and ultimate truth with eternal meaning.  They are aware that in order to have faith, one must exercise that particular muscle by questioning the structure of the world and the very core of the individual.  Many times I looked up to the sky and said, "God, I don't believe in you any more!"  At the same time, I also knew that I wouldn't be looking up or saying anything if I didn't believe in God.  God is big enough to handle the search and rescue of his beloved children.

My gentle advice to any child who says....they don't believe in..... broccoli is going to be met with a wan smile, as I remember how my thoughts, words and tastes changed and how now I am an adamant believer in all vegetables.  I swore that I would never ever let one pass my lips without dying.   Well, times change and all you need is one good experience to be changed.  I never forced a food on a child even for a healthy body that they felt adamantly opposed to, and honestly, it hurt no one.  In fact, it makes the whole idea of sampling it to be less threatening if there is no pressure.

This is the same thing with the .  The general population was clueless about the need for them and the cost was so outstanding, we were once again, taken on a merry ride to being hijacked, without an airplane.  Add to that the insult of 'renting sculptures' from outside when we have wonderful artists here who would be honored....it's like a comic book come to life, only no one wants to buy it.

I am sure that all this nonsense is simply that we are surprised and not pleased by something that concerns us.  Our opinion was not being sought nor listened to, but, what is going to happen now, when an alternative is offered, and it goes nowhere, or even worse, that it gets blasted to smithereens by a hotline?  What if, a tagline is supported by everyone and then there is the big 'fire New Moon and get our money back subject'?  What if the tagline found to be the best is written by a child and that child gets their feelings hurt?  

This is worse than just gum on my shoe, but it is very honestly written and true questions in my mind.  Shall we stand by after being hijacked and expect to feel vindicated?  I hope that the visionaries of Fenton make very sure they have the right frog before kissing it.  

Will I have to wear a bag over my head and walk around as...the unknown author?

Mary