September 13, 2013
To The Editor:
Last night I attended a disturbingly sad meeting. A small but intense group of genteel veterans (U.S. Veterans, mind you) and their lovely spouses were gathered together to discuss the “why” behind B.I.S.D.’s current attempt to EVICT Blanco’s American Legion Post from its OWN sixty-five year old building? Allow me to quote Monday Night Football, “C’mon Man”!
Q: How can one respected and civic-minded community icon become embroiled in a lawsuit against another respected and civic-minded community icon? It’s sad! Sorry! Sick! And…Shameful! “C’mon Man”! Last night our gathering of ‘Fine Folks’ were told that legal expenses for this battle over the “little old building” could easily exceed $100,000…for BISD alone! Citizens…Allow THAT to soak in! Q: $100,000 (and mounting) in legal fees spent for what purpose? Q: WHO made such an “empty headed” vacuous decision? Q: Who decided that kicking Blanco’s American Legion Post out of THEIR building would serve ANY useful or worthwhile purpose? Q: More importantly “how” and “why” were such decisions reached? There are decent citizens who want to know. “We The People” (particularly those of Blanco) have a right to know. These kinds of matters are never decided in a vacuum. Someone, somewhere, thought this was the correct thing to do; “WHO and WHY?” To date, the American Legion Post has been unable to obtain answers to those two overriding questions.
Once upon a time…I honorably served on the BISD school board. Once upon a time I honorably served as a member of this American Legion Post. And once upon a time I honorably served our country; I am a veteran. Personally, I see NO valid reason for the American Legion Post to be forced into relocating. This is a fight that should never be fought. I say to BISD; “Call off the dogs of war…tend to the business of educating our children.” I also say; “C’mon Man!” REALLY!
Jim Pepper: Captain, United States Marine Corps; Veteran of Foreign War; Citizen of Blanco
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