Columns

During my time in Springfield, the Washington County Heartland Youth Coalition has stuck out to me as one of the most impactful organizations in the area.

It’s been a way for adults to reach teenagers about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, while also allowing the teens to lead the charge themselves.

Plenty of other counties have programs such as D.A.R.E. and other anti-drug campaigns, but the hands-on approach that the youth coalition has taken with students is what sets it apart from other organizations.

When did journalists start losing the respect of the public?

Not that the job is about—nor should it be about—gaining that respect, but it seems to me that it was only a short time ago that being a journalist meant something positive.

After all, Superman, the most incorruptible superhero of all time, was a journalist.

The public saw them as great professionals uncovering what certain officials would try to hide. They were seen as helping the common man peer into a realm that they would otherwise never see.
But now?

It’s too bad we don’t know the person’s name who said it, for there is much truth in the statement: “What man does not understand, he fears; and what he fears, he tends to destroy.”

Michael Dunn claimed fear was the reason he shot to death the young black man, Jordan Davis at a Jacksonville, Fla., gas station in an argument over loud music. Did Davis point a gun at Dunn, as he alleged? No gun was ever found.

One thing I’ve come to realize about Washington County is that the people here love to give back.

Regardless of the event and what local organization is behind it or what person is in need, the people of this community pride themselves on being able to lend each other a hand any time they can.

From the theater to the athletic fields to charitable organizations and government entities, you can count on any number of local folks to pitch in wherever they can.