How to Ruin Your Community

 


The Greene County Commonwealth newspaper reprinted an article a few weeks ago that was originally printed in that newspaper in April 1969. It took a different approach with tips on ruining your community without trying.

The suggestions came from the Missouri Division of Commerce and Industrial Development in 1969. These were good reminders.

1.     Never attend community meetings.  Just sit around and criticize about the way “they” are doing things.
2.     Vote against any kind of tax levy whether the purpose is good or not.
3.     Criticize the fire and police departments as just being out for glory.
4.     Do not attend a school concert, ball game, program or exhibit.
5.     Knock your city council members as being on the council for kick-backs.
6.     Stay out of church.  You might go on Easter and Christmas to prove to yourself that the minister does not know what he is talking about and everyone there is a hypocrite.
7.     Buy everything out of a discount catalog or mail-order book.
8.     Spread stories and rumors that are uncomplimentary about the town. 
9.     Do not support your town’s local newspaper.
10. Always be skeptical and cynical about anything good for the betterment of the community.  Your motto should be: “If it’s good it can’t happen here.” 

Many of these are opposite of the recommendations I give as part of the Engaged Neighbor Pledge. Check out the principles of that pledge, sign it and join others who are part of the Engaged Neighbor network in efforts to improve our neighborhoods and community.

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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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