Out of an abundance of caution, we will glide across topics this week and answer questions posed to me over the last few weeks through email and casual conversations.
My columns are usually completed on Monday, and by Wednesday morning, everyone will understand—let’s just say why we will take this road for the week.
A reader asks what will Augusta’s political future look like once January arrives and we have our new local elected officials in place?
That is a great question and leads many to wonder what will make this time any different from other years.
You have Wayne Guilfoyle back, political newcomers in Tony Lewis and Stacey Pulliam and, of course, Alvin Mason who has been sitting in for Sammie Sias.
Many believe there is a level of progression that will happen; however, that depends on who the new people will be taking directions from.
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Allegiances are normally formed pretty quickly, which, in some cases, causes a divide for years to come. Everyone ran on representing their district’s interests, and soon we will have a first-hand look at who will stand and tow the line.
How do you feel the school board races will turn out?
Let’s keep this response as brief as possible. No one knows! Now, that’s said because we truly don’t know the outcome of elections, and anything is possible, but that’s because no one seems to have a grip on the races.
There is no clear front-runner in any of the contested races, and that’s because, as a community, I don’t know if people really dig in deep to find out about their candidates.
So, is that on them or is that on us?
Another question: Why is crime so bad in our city?
Crime is bad everywhere. This is not specific to our area; however, I know our main concern is where we are. I would like to give the sheriff some credit. For the most part, we had a very quiet week, comparatively speaking to the past violent weeks.
I do know this. The sheriff has amped up police presence, and they are doing massive sweeps to curb the violence.
I looked online one day to see how many people were in the jail’s “recently booked” report, which was three pages long. So, there is no lack of work to get bad guys off the street.
I still subscribe to the old saying, “See something, Say something.” It’s up to all of us to keep our community safe.
Next question: What is our most pressing issue in Augusta politics?
Togetherness! It seems we will work the hardest against each other. Honestly, that’s just not a political issue but a social issue that has political overtones. At times it seems we can dislike people or positions so much that a good idea can come forward and people will kill it just because of who presented it.
That makes me question whether we have the same end goal or whether we are in this just to fight. Our end goal should be for a better Augusta community and a better world, not just to be right and press forward with personal agendas.
Quick side note.
The best piece of marital advice I ever received in my life came from Mr. Ingram. Y’all know who I’m talking about. I reference him a lot; he’s like my other dad.
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He asked me once, “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” So I ask you, “Do you want to be right or do you want to move this community forward?”
With that being said, our lives and our agendas can take all kinds of twists and turns. It can even change directions in the blink of an eye. We must embrace those times and keep our eyes on the prize for what’s best for everyone. Take care of those who need it most, and work to form as the Constitution says, “A more perfect Union.” Do not forsake the journey because it’s just as important as the destination.
Robert Frost wrote a poem that I absolutely love. I’m sure many of you know it and, possibly like myself, had to memorize it in school.
This is the poem authored by Robert Frost:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
Have a great week and I’m sure you will be seeing me soon—oh wait; maybe I’m not getting ahead of myself this time.
I was going to share something about …with you, but here I go again getting ahead of myself.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
