SOUND RULES

                 A GOVERNMENT WHICH LAYS TAXES ON THE
                       PEOPLE NOT REQUIRED BY URGENT NECESSITY
                                AND SOUND PUBLIC POLICY IS NOT A
                                        PROTECTOR OF LIBERTY, BUT AN
                                                INSTRUMENT OF TYRANNY.
                                                        IT CONDEMNS THE CITIZENS
                                                               TO SERVITUDE.
                                                                                 Calvin Coolidge

     I came across a recommendation for a book.  I have not gotten it yet but soon will.  The title is rather direct and gets your attention.  As I read down the 13 points it makes it occurred to me that this would be a great test for yourself as a person as well as a community.
     As you may have gathered in the past I am a strong supporter of the rural and small town communities.  Living in the country my whole life I could not even imagine living in a large city.  Yet I see small communities within these larger cities that are mirror images of our small towns.  So let's take the test.  BE HONEST!

           13 WAYS TO KILL YOUR COMMUNITY

• DON'T HAVE QUALITY WATER
• DON'T ATTRACT BUSINESS
• IGNORE YOUR YOUTH
• DECEIVE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR NEEDS OR VALUES
• SHOP ELSEWHERE
• DON'T PAINT
• DON'T COOPERATE
• LIVE IN THE PAST
• IGNORE YOUR SENIORS
• REJECT EVERYTHING NEW
• IGNORE OUTSIDERS
• BECOME COMPLACENT
• DON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY



          Traveling around the country I see towns that are obviously on the grow and as many dying on the vine.  I have been around towns who deal with individuals that share many of these traits.  What about you?
     I see these basic principles as being applicable to you as an individual.  Try applying these statements to yourself.  Is there ways you can get involved to keep your community and yourself positive and an asset?
     Here at Christmas time what can you do to give your area a present of your attention and caring?  Let me give you a few ideas.

      Be informed.  If you don't know what is going on in your community try actually looking around and visiting with your neighbors and those elected to serve your area.
     If you have an idea that would improve your area, share it.  Then offer your time, talent, and treasure to bring about something positive.
      Learn the history of your area and the buildings that have survived.  What can you do to preserve it?
     Support what you have or you soon won't have it.
     Give credit for what is done right and work to change what is wrong or needs improving.
     If something needs preserving start now.  Time is no friend and once a building or historic site is gone it cannot be recovered.
     Ask someone that is new or visiting on their impressions and experiences.  Take the good gratefully and the bad graciously.  Newcomers can be a great influence on attitude and creativity.  Plus a new prospective and passionate workers.
     If you have a complaint or problem have a solution or a range of options.  Be part of a solution not a chonic critic.
     There are several things you can do to widen your awareness and look to a larger scale.  Do you have a Chamber of Commerce?  Do you have and Economic Development or tourism office?  Do you belong to any group that works for your community on a larger scale?
     In Kansas I always urge everyone that cares about rural and small town living to become a member of the KANSAS SAMPLER FOUNDATION.  Become a KANSAS EXPLORER.  This will put you and your community on the fast track for being aware about what a great place you live and work in.  I am always amazed that no other state has copied the work that Marci Penner, Milt Penner and his wife, and Wendy LePlatt have done over the years for Kansas.
     Get to know the person that represents you at the state capital and those in Washington.  They do make an effort to come to your town and hear your opinions.  Hint: Do not read to them from something, ask them where they stand.  Talk not lecture.
   By the way the books title is 13 WAYS TO KILL YOUR COMMUNITY by Doug Griffiths & Kelly Clemmer.
     And as Willie Robertson sings HAVE A HAIRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
     And from the top of the hill, HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!