Opinion

“Secondhand animals make first-class pets.” — Author unknown. I’m guessing a street-smart cat or a dog in the PR business.

Neighborhood life is at risk Talk of the proposed Chisos Brewery is, “What will it do for the City of Alpine?” The economic growth to the town will bring in tourism, etc. This is not the talk in the neighborhood.

Dear editor, I was delighted to see on page four of the Nov. 10 issue of the Avalanche, and in the Sentinel, Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves’ excellent summary of the vital functions of local governments in our federal system along, with an outstanding letter to the editor by Karen Cantrell pointing out that all games have rules, and those involving winners and losers demand acceptance of the legitimate outcomes, certainly in the matter of elections. As one who spent much of his work life as a professor of Political Science significantly focused on those two topics, I have not seen them addressed more effectively. The efforts to engage more citizens in local public affairs, including participation in the development of a strategic plan for the city are also commendable if often frustrating.

Dear editor, I enjoyed learning in the Alpine Avalanche about local law enforcement officer, James Morris receiving a prestigious award. There is in fact another local law enforcement officer who recently received a prestigious award as well.

Alpine is a small town full of big opportunities. Similarly, Alpine ISD offers the best of an engaged, smalltown community with big hopes, dreams, and opportunities for our students’ present and future. Yes, rural public schools can, and do offer incredible learning experiences hundreds of miles away from large urban areas. Each of our campuses offers a wide breadth of learning opportunities taught with a depth of excellence that prepares our students for open futures.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward (1921—1994), American motivational writer It’s Thanksgiving week by tradition. I try to be thankful every day, and I do that sometimes by being grateful for my yesterdays.

The Alpine Police Department is celebrating the 27th Year of Operation Blue Santa. They say it is better to give than to receive and with a Christmas spirit, that’s what the Operation Blue Santa program is all about. There are many children within our community who are less fortunate during the Christmas Holiday, and this is the opportunity that allows you to bless them.

“There are places I’ll remember, All my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better, Some have gone, and some remain.” — “In My Life,” recorded by The Beatles on their 1965 album, Rubber Soul.

Kind assistance Sometimes, when bad things happen, we meet the most wonderful and kind people. This is unique to the Big Bend, I’m sure.

Someone a long time ago said that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” That someone is our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was mostly self-taught.