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What in the world has happened to us? We use to be able to have debates, even heated debates, on issues. Now everything has to become personal and the only way to debate is to demean our debating opponent. In politics, it goes without saying that if you are going to mention an opponent’s name, it had better be in a derogatory statement, because god forbid that someone misinterpret your statement as anything less. Even small children seem to be driven to humiliate the child they are confronting.

What has driven us to this inane behavior that makes us believe that nothing or no one in the world has a right to get into our space or question our opinions? I don’t know about you but I would be much happier in a less aggressive, less competitive society–– a society that takes what it does seriously, but does not take itself too seriously. Whether playing a game, driving a car or waiting in line, it appears that the only position to be in is first and anything less would be considered failure. I’m sorry folks, but not everyone can be first and some of us are destined to finish second, third or even lower. That doesn’t mean you need to stand by and get run over by society, but if everyone would slow down and consider how they would like to be treated and treat others that way, this world would be a much more enjoyable place to exist in. Hey, when it’s all over, it won’t make any difference if you got places first, got the most wins or had the most money, but how you treated people along the way will make a difference.

It is truly amazing what a week away from home with no deadlines or schedules can do to help you see and remember what is important.

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Along the same avenue, this past week when my family was vacationing in the Whitefish Lake area we went out for dinner at a nice, but not fancy restaurant that included, as part of its menu, a children’s menu so we took that to mean that children were welcome. All in all our group was 11 and four of those are under four years of age. As we were being seated a second hostess was asking the people behind us, two men and a lady, if they had a seating preference. One of the men said anywhere except close to those people with all the kids. Now my grandchildren are not angels by any means, but their parents do a great job making sure that they behave themselves when the need arises. What amazes me about people, like the man who made that comment, is that they have forgotten that they were once children themselves, or maybe in their case they never were. Some airlines are talking about creating family flights so that people who don’t want to be exposed to children would not have to be on that flight. Do you suppose that we will soon see signs posted next to the firearms banned signs that ban children or families with children from this establishment? It’s no wonder that as children grow up some are driven to do bizarre things. After all, they are brought up believing that they are second class citizens. I, for one, count children amongst my closest and best friends––always have and always will.

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This weekend marks a big change in Chisago City. The annual Ki Chi Saga Days Celebration, normally held in September, has moved to this weekend. There is a full slate of events planned for the weekend, starting with community garage sales and ending with a gala fireworks display at dusk on Sunday evening. See the complete list of events elsewhere in this Press and get on over to Chisago City to enjoy some or all of those events. For the second year, Moberg has lost the horn from his bike and you can help find it by reading the clues posted at Enchanted Gates Floral starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. The lucky finder will claim a prize of $150 if they have purchased a 2003 Ki Chi Saga Days button. See you in Chisago City.

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Although it doesn’t seem possible, the end of summer is near. We are approaching the start of school, the state fair, and so much more. And, before you know it, the Christmas catalogs will start to arrive. Fall is the start of many things and it should also be the start of people getting involved in the organizations that they have an interest in. Organizations are truly the backbone of our communities and will only continue to flourish if new folks step up and get involved. Don’t be shy, all of these groups will welcome new members with open arms. Bring your energy and ideas and get involved today.

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Being active in the County HRA/EDA has given me an even brighter picture of what the impact of any new business brought into our area brings with it. The immediate impact of taxes, employee salaries, employee spending, and so on all get invested into Chisago County. If you own or are employed by a firm that is looking for a great place to move, please have the people in charge get in touch with Chris Eng, Executive Director of the Chisago County HRA/EDA, at 651-674-5664. Chisago County has land available and many ways to help prospective companies relocate or start up here. It will help all of the tax base if we locate new business anywhere in the county.

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