PECOS ENTERPRISE

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OPINION

Aug. 14, 1996

OBSERVATIONS

By Mac McKinnon

Town just as good

as you think it is

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I recently had a friend who moved from Pecos to another community. That
friend mentioned to me one of the problems about Pecos that I've been
harping on for years and that is our attitude here.
When this person moved to another town, much smaller than this one with
much less to offer in the way of shopping and services, that person was
welcomed to the town and the friend was told that their family would
enjoy living there.
That town is in West Texas and the town has fewer trees than Pecos.
It's pretty barren.
When that person moved to Pecos some 10 years or so ago, people
immediately asked why the family had moved to Pecos; is that the only
employment they could get and everything else they were told was very
negative. Nothing good was said, not even a welcome.
Why has everyone got such a bad feeling about Pecos? I simply don't
understand it. Sure, we have problems, but so does everywhere else.
Don't we know how to look at the good side of things? There are many
people in town who see only good here, the only problem being there are
too few of those people.
A number of new people to our community really like this place. And why
shouldn't they? It's a good place, lots of good people. We have the
usual number of bad apples, but you'll find them anywhere you go.
Our climate is just about as good as you can get anywhere. This was a
topic of discussion among a number of people who attended the fly-in at
our tremendous airport Sunday before last. Sure, it gets hot but it's
the kind of heat that is easier to take than what you'll find almost
anywhere else - there's no humidity.
Some people believe the countryside is ugly. Well, beauty is in the eye
of the beholder. I see a rugged beauty and can't help but think about
how hardy the people were who first settled this territory and carved a
living out of the land.
Those were a special kind of folks.
A friend of mine who lives in a nearby town recently referred to Pecos
as the armpit of Texas. I took exception to that comment. The main
reason he probably made the comment is that he had been told how bad it
is here by people who live here.
We've got to get a better attitude. Many people who don't live here
would love to if they could find a way to make a living. The people who
live here can't seem to wait to get out. Has our society gotten to the
point where we'll never be happy with anything?
Let's enjoy what we have and work to overcome what we don't have. A
little group effort can go a long way, especially when you're dealing
with attitudes. Happiness can be contagious just as discontentment is.
Remember the story of a man who moved to a new town and asked what kind
of people lived in the town. He was asked what kind of people lived
where he came from, to which he replied, pretty good folks. He was told
he'd find the same in his new hometown.
Think about it.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mac McKinnon is editor and publisher of the Pecos
Enterprise. His column appears on Wednesday and Friday.

HENRY BONILLA

Crockett died in spirit of frontier


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As I sat down to write my weekly column this week I was reminded that
this Saturday marks the 210th anniversary of the birth of Davy Crockett
on Aug. 17, 1786. For most of us, Davy Crockett conjures up images of
`coon hunting, Indian fighting and of course, the Alamo. In Texas,
Crockett is treasured as one of the 187 Americans who died defending
Texas against Mexico in the battle of the Alamo.

Davy Crockett stood for the Spirit of the American Frontier. He was
born in the backwoods of Tennessee and became a crafty warrior and
hunter at a young age. Crockett served in the Tennessee legislature and
went on to represent that state in the 20th Congress of the United
States in the years 1827-1829, in the 21st Congress, 1829-1831, and
again, the 23rd Congress, 1833-1835.

For many of us, the freedom that Crockett fought for seems a forgotten
memory from eighth grade history class, but a modern fight for freedom
still wages on. While it may not be battle with muskets, our pursuit of
freedom can be just as tough.

Many times this year Congress has sought to return more freedom back to
the people where it belongs. For example, the recently passed Balanced
Budget Act included common-sense provisions like a $500 per child
working family tax credit. This and other tax relief measures will help
working American families enjoy their freedom. Although the president
vetoed this legislation, Congress will keep working toward the goal of
lower taxes and bigger paychecks for all Americans. Cutting taxes and
increasing take-home pay will free every American to spend more time
with their families and communities.

The election process that is the focus of today's headlines is another
example of freedom that Americans enjoy. While our system may not be
perfect, we should not take it for granted. Over the next few weeks each
party will nominate a candidate for president in a uniquely American
manner, free and open. Sure, there will be a lot of pomp and
circumstance surrounding the electoral process, but when all the
confetti has fallen, what will remain is that the people have freely
participated in choosing their government.

As we reflect on the life of Davy Crockett, I encourage each of you to
participate in the democratic process and protect the freedom for which
Crockett gave his life.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Henry Bonilla represents the 23rd Congressional District in
the U.S. House of Representatives.

OTHER VIEWS

Co-quarterbacks

can be problem

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Bob Dole needed to score a touchdown with his running mate selection.
His ``hail Mary'' pass to Jack Kemp certainly got the GOP convention
crowd up and cheering. The tougher part will be trying to run a
come-from-behind campaign with two guys who think they're the
quarterback.

For now, however, the choice of a seasoned party player like Mr. Kemp
looks like a good call. Mr. Dole's choice of a supply-side apostle who
is closely identified with tax cuts is evidence the former Senate
majority leader's conversion to tax cuts is for real. ...

Of course, not all Republicans are fans of the 61-year-old Mr. Kemp.
That may be expected for any figure who has survived 25 years on the
political stage. Some ``movement conservatives'' complain that Mr. Kemp
has veered from their point of view. At a time when much of the GOP is
moving toward a tougher line on immigration and affirmative action, Mr.
Kemp has argued against dramatic change.

Once the ``bounce'' from Mr. Kemp's selection diminishes, Mr. Dole may
be torn between his running mate's preferences on such issues and his
party's harder-line platform.

That said, Mr. Kemp's willingness to expand conservative thinking, is
part of what made him a creative choice. His
``progressive-conservativism'' could resonate well with voters who want
a government that is lean, but not mean. ...

To be sure, Mr. Kemp's take-charge personality could be a problem. Bob
Dole reportedly grew tired of his preachiness. ...

Yet Bob Dole deserves credit for looking beyond personal and political
annoyances to find a running mate who can give the GOP ticket flair and
momentum. Jack Kemp surely has that potential. What he must now prove to
voters is whether he is worthy of serving as president of the United
States, if need be.

- The Dallas Morning News

YOUR VIEWS

Stickels' integrity

would do Texas well

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Dear Editor:
I would like to commend Mr. (John) Stickel's discretion, decision and
action. Men of his caliber, statute and integrtity would do Texas well.

When evil people are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will
live to see the downfall of such people. Proverbs 29:16.

- Name withheld by request
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Copyright 1996 by Pecos Enterprise
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324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
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