BB wants me to share a positive post about our town. I will, thank you. 
How many of us sent our children, grandchildren off for their first day of school, taking pictures, laughing & waving goodbye as they went their merry way? How many of us just sighed, & said, whew...they are on their way, and left it at that? How many of us had to worry that their walk to school might be their last? There are many in bigger areas that have to worry about that. Thank God, we don't have to.
We are lucky enough to live in a community that cares for each other. When I walk down the street, I can smile & say, "Hey, how's it going?"... and not be looked at as though I've lost my mind.
Shackman...you can even call BB out by his real name, (You shouldn't have done that on this board, by the way); that should have stayed personal. If you find out who I am, are you gonna call me out? I know you were angry & hurt, but we all need to know that we can trust each other. LJ & Lilsmom know who I am. You want to meet...if we do, can I trust you to not name me on this board because I don't agree with you & you R mad at me? I'm not pissed or scolding you, Tom, I'm just saying that you probably didn't use the best judgement? LOL! Been there...done that & been called out for it, if you read my past posts! 
Please, Tom, don't be mad @ me for stating my feelings. Feel free to answer & don't worry about hurting my feelings.
In my VHO I believe that we can go to sleep @ night & not worry if our door is locked. I love that I can look out my office window, see & hear the kids playing in the fountain on the riverfront that our leaders approved. (I'm so thankful) & so are many parents. I can see people walking their dogs, jogging & enjoying the day, (without fear).
BB~ I can sit on my porch late at night & hear the trains go through our town & listen to the whistles & know that our town is safe. We are all tucked in for the evening, with no fear. My sister lives in Rock Island, My friend lives in Davenport. They don't feel that security.
I know that my high school child & grandchildren go to schools that the teachers & administration don't look at them as numbers, but as individuals. I can email their individual teachers & get a response on a daily basis. There are a few bad apples, to be sure, but for the most part, our teachers & administration love our children. I feel so blessed to live in our town.
The economy is horrible. Our businesses are doing the best they can to stay alive. We all are. My hours have been cut from 40 hrs. to 20 hrs. I still have the same financial obligations. It's hard to stay positive, it's very frightening. I know I'm not alone. Jeff can probably attest to that as a business owner. My moral code & my faith have not faltered.
My parent's brought me to Muscatine in 1967. It was difficult, I missed the mountains & my friends. When I watch the news, I am so greatful my parents moved our family from California to here. I am what I am, I am who I am.
BB- I appreciate that you challenged me. Thank you...Got anything to say?
