[Jeff]

I have lived in this town for my entire life, with the exception of the last little while living in T-Town to attend college. Over the years I have noticed a rather messed up trend though. It seems that here in Demopolis that it is all about the name you have.

We all know the hand full of families (not that there is anything wrong with them) that have the majority of the land and the money in this town, simply because it has been this way for a long time. But it does seem that if only you had their last name that things would be much easier in Demopolis. I have personally seen many occasions where if only I had the “right” last name that I would have been treated much better by some people or businesses. And the same goes for lots of city issues. If a person of a prominent family says an idea, then it is suddenly golden, but if a regular Joe says the same, well it isn’t taken quite as seriously.

Even with this site we have experienced this in the past. On many occasions we have offered our support to several local organizations, and have been consistently shot down. Half the time to see our idea being used by the organization, but with someone else instead.

What I feel it really boils down to is Demopolis’ fear of change. The “go with who you know” mentality is evident all through this town, but it needs to change. By not allowing things to change you intern hinder the progress of the city. Something of which that hasn’t happened in a while (progress that is). We need to open up to opportunities for change in hopes that it will better the city in the long run.

I do commend Jon McKelvy of the Demopolis Times on his editorials challenging issues in Demopolis much the same way we try to do here. Even though our popularity has grown TREMENDOUSLY in the last few months, he is still able to reach a larger audience with the paper. So maybe ‘ol Jon’s editorials will help spur a little change as well. The challenge for Demopolis is this. Don’t get caught up in what the person’s last name is; be more concerned with their ability. Don’t be afraid of change, without change there is no progression. We have a great city, but we can make it much, much better.