Seriously, I love the discussions on Decatur Metro. I do believe that we all (regardless of where in DeKalb) should expect the businesses in our community to be good neighbors. I expect them to treat their employees well, not discriminate, be good to the environment, responsible about how their products are produced, and not leave an empty box to blight our community in the future. Yes, I do expect this. I expect my neighbors to be decent and good citizens and I expect that from myself too. And I will certainly judge them if they do not. And I expect a lot more from those who have more power and more resources. This gives them a unique power to make a positive or negative impact in our community, and in Walmart’s case, the world. As my young children, and all Spiderman lovers, know: “with great power comes great responsibility.”

On a practical note, I think it is interesting that no one mentions the Walmart on Memorial Drive, just 10 minutes from Decatur Square. I confess that despite my snobbery and moral ideals I have succumbed to the low prices and shopped here. I wonder how many others will now shop at the Medlock Walmart. I wonder if the Memorial Walmart will continue to thrive? I wonder how everyone will feel if a big empty shell is left in this poorer environment. Incidentally, I haven’t noticed any big improvements spurred by the opening of that Walmart.

I also think it is important to remember we do have the power of where we spend our money, regardless of politics. I did enough holiday spending in Decatur Square to stimulate the national economy and really enjoyed the experience, unlike the mall, big box experiences.

In the course of that time, it’s become clear that people around here maintain many measures for whether or not they consider themselves part of Decatur — the strict sense (i.e. the borders where Decatur government stops); the emotional sense (in that they simply *feel* a part of the community); the communal sense, based on activities they’re involved with, the church they belong to, the pubs they frequent, etc.; the historical sense (in that they grew up around these parts); the “postal” sense (in that they write “Decatur” as part of their address); and a bunch of other stuff.

It’s self-defined and comes down to one’s personal perspective, of which many have been expressed and argued for here on DM. This particular post was speaking to the concerns of people outside Decatur government’s purview who feel a part of Decatur and want to accomplish similar goals (despite their more cumbersome representation). So that’s who I addressed.

If they feel no connection, who am I to say they should? I’m not gonna speak for anyone. The reader can decide if I was speaking to them.

maybe if the word ‘still’ hadn’t been used? maybe ‘our’ and ‘still’ together pushed me over the edge? whatever it was—i’m pretty sure it hits me the wrong way.

and i don’t think an explanation from the author that it was a poor or hasty choice of words will make me feel any better about it.

:- |