Column for July 5, 2007

A few observations while in Manhattan

Having spent two decades in North Carolina, I have heard it stated often, "That's how we have always done it", or "It's a tradition". Some traditions are good. Others are worth re-evaluation. Nothing helps you consider the world you live in like going somewhere else and experiencing different cultures and regions. My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Manhattan. During this trip, I had plenty of things to contemplate as I saw how different things are and can be.

The first thing that struck me on my trip was the use of the railroad that runs right through our small town. What totally amazes me is that for a ticket price of over $100 each person for each leg of the trip, Amtrak loses money each and every year. You and I are paying the U.S. government for Amtrak to operate at a loss. One would think that if nothing else, the rip off prices of second rate food served in the cafe car would make up for any losses of operation. If you like paying $15 for a couple of sodas and two prepackaged sandwiches that you can find in convenience stores, then Amtrak is for you. If airlines and bus companies can operate at a profit, why can't Amtrak make a profit? Perhaps it is time to sell off that asset and let private industry take over.

New York City has been cleaned up quite a bit, from what I have read. The subways, cabs, Times Square, and the streets were, for the most part, clean. The train station and subway stations all seemed to be much better than I had heard about for years. This gives me hope for what we can do in this small town. Selma has a reputation for being a drug haven. When I got back from my trip, I found local media with coverage of drug busts by our own CSI Selma. I type that in a respectful and affectionate manner, by the way. I have great appreciation for the work that is being done by Chief Bowen and his staff.

While taking a tour of downtown Manhattan, I found the history amazing. Entire districts of the town such as the garment district were dying and slated for demolition. Today, that area is a thriving business community. We spent a lot of time in Times Square which was once occupied with a lot of pornographic theaters. Today, it is thriving with family oriented businesses. More New Yorkers come out and visit their own city than they once did. The city streets are cleaner and safer than they have been in a century. This means more tax revenue for the city, increased services, and a better quality of life. A better reputation attracts more visitors.

Another thing I noticed while walking around the city was the diversity of businesses. There were many restaurants, specialty shops, clothing stores, department stores, convenience stores, bakeries, souvenir shops, etc. If that diversity can revitalize their city, on a smaller scale, it can only help us. I have stated before that making Selma an antique shopping destination is not really a sustainable long term plan. I have nothing against antique shops nor shop owners, as those who know me realize. But diversity of our business district will attract more locals to spend more time and money right here in our own economy, attract more residents, and thereby build up our own tax base.

Another thing I noticed was the amount of languages spoken. Just while on top of The Empire State Building, I heard German, French, Italian, Hindi, Swedish, some African dialects, Arabic, and some other languages that I could not distinguish. I also noticed that the primary language for business and cross cultural communication was English. Many cab drivers were either African (true "African-Americans", in my opinion, and not just some catch phrase) or from the Middle East. Every one spoke good English, knowing that they must assimilate to effectively operate. I wish that the primary population of immigrants that come here would take a serious cue from these people who embody the spirit of becoming Americans.

I have already cut down this column quite a bit in order to fit within my allotted space and have so much more to tell. Alas, I have to wind down for this week. I will wrap up by saying that if New York can do it, we can make Selma truly A Charming Place to Be.