Time To Stand Up

For you folks who don't get The Courier, the following is my Reader's Write this week.

The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in our power. If we have made mistakes, if we have tried and failed again and again, there is always another chance for us. We may have a fresh start any moment we choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down. (Mary Pickford (1893-1979))

After almost a year of hard work, months of debates and hours of discussions, the long awaited public safety and welfare issues of the over-population of stray animals and animal control in the community will be on the Board of County Commissions’ planning session agenda on December 13th, to begin the next meaningful discussion, and the regular meeting agenda on December 17th for action, on a solution to the problems associated with animal control, stray animals and irresponsible pet ownership in Hardin County.

This is no longer just a problem, it is a dilemma and headed for being a tragedy. To our local government, I would say, you now have the opportunity to do something, either lead or follow!!!!! To the pet owners of Hardin County, I would say, if you are going to have pets, your going to have to be responsible pet owners!!!!

To the non-pet owners, I would say, be responsible citizens and show your support for immediate action on this public safety and welfare issue. The next person to have a problem with, or be bitten by, that at-large or stray animal, could be you or yours!!!

For all of you folks who have needed, wanted or demanded something be done about this issue over the last several years, I would say to you, now is the time to get off of your couches, show up at 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 13th and Monday December 17th, to show your individual support, and our collective community support, for immediate, if not sooner, action on this dilemma.

I look forward to a standing room only group of concerned citizens on both nights. As most of you may know, I can and have stood up for my family for some time now, but we really need, want and gotta have you show up and stand up for yourselves, for us and to demonstrate broad community support.

I know we are all busy this time of year but this is a very important step for our collective futures. Hope to see you there.

Respectfully submitted for your consideration,

Ted G. Cook
Savannah, TN