Community at the Crossroads and in the Crosshairs

Why would respect, principle and redoubtable character take precedence over the fame and fortune, glitz and glamour, commonly associated with those with the most gold?

Faussett suggests the following by way of answer: “Character is better than riches, because its foundation is better—viz., virtue; its acquisition harder, its compass wider, its utility greater, its duration longer, its loss more fatal.”

Interestingly, reputation is placed in juxtaposition to riches as if somehow they are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, not only do the two seem to be at odds, a choice is required – like standing at a crossroads.

Lakewood stood at the crossroads in 2008 with the opportunity to oust gambling from the city.  Tukwila, Wash. stands there now.

“Tukwila – Community at the Crossroads” proves not only to be the account of the city’s history, but the author and late Dr. Kay Reinartz was prescient with regards to the city’s current situation. Tukwila is indeed at the crossroads. And not just the crossroads of the two interstate highways of Interstate 5 an Interstate 405, Tukwila is literally asking its people to make a choice— a choice between two directions of travel leading to a destination and reputation for which the city will be known; a choice, if you will, between “a good name and great wealth” both however seriously in doubt.

Most cities get along just fine without gambling revenue opined the editorial staff at the Tacoma News Tribune. Click here to read that story

Tukwila will too.