Harry Truman still right about 'progress'
Harry Truman once spoke at the opening of a new shopping center known as Truman's Corner Shoppers City.
Developers didn't anticipate his reaction upon realizing the shopping center was built on his old family farm.
He remarked, "we certainly hope it'll be profitable and successful, because while we would have liked very much to keep the farm as a home to use and run as a farm, we know very well that progress pays no attention to individuals. We don't want to stand in the way of progress, but it doesn't keep us from being homesick for the places and way of life we once knew."
Truman held his emotions in check until overcome, he revealed his true feelings. Pounding his cane on the platform he said, "When I get false teeth and am bent over, you'll still hear me pounding on the floor telling the kids what a wonderful place this was before these birds ruined it."
This is the backdrop of life in Lake County at the hands of local and county "birds" who continue to homogenize, disconnect and exploit us with "progress."
Their methodical destruction relies on agendas imposed with ultimatums and provocation while sticking overburdened taxpayers with the costs.
Their ideology implies unchecked growth will contribute to the revitalization of the county economy. It's worked so well up until now, hasn't it?
County "birds" tout land preservation, yet unanimously support Route 53 extension as the savior for years of otherwise inferior planning.
Local "birds" continue to sell out to developers, offering tax breaks and sales tax rebates.
When faced with opposition, developers run to court pleading their "rights," demanding remedy for perceived injustices.
Truths about our polluted and dwindling aquifers like our lands are hidden while county and local "birds" extort them as commerce at taxpayer expense.
Displacement of people, lifestyles, sacrifice of open land, habitats and the depletion of natural resources, like the havoc of war, means nothing to these "birds."
Where is the ethic of enough in Lake County?
Truman was right: Progress pays no attention to individuals.
Sarah Powers
Mundelein