Well, Well, Did Laredo Finally Wakeup???????

The Planetarium at TAMIU.  Photo by me.

It is amazing the outpouring of pride in Laredo over the last 48 hours.  I am really happy to see all the comments that have been posted on all the social media, print media, television and even this blog (ps, check out some of the blogs listed on the right of this page for their Sara comments).

If you take the time to read the comments, you get the feeling that while almost everyone likes Laredo, there are areas for improvement.

Traffic,  driving habits,  trash,  language barriers, as well as cultural respect and understanding.  Just remember folks, that it is up to YOU, and no one else to make improvements to our city.  How do you do that?

First you get out and vote.  And don’t just vote for someone because you like their signs, or know someone who knows someone who knows the candidate.  Find out for yourself who is running and why.  Then vote for them based on how you think they will improve things for you and the city.  Vote for leaders, not followers.  It really is pretty simple.

Second, you take an interest in the educational system in this town, even if you do not have kids.  How can we let our city continue to be under-educated.  We have a supposed 50% dropout rate.  That is just not acceptable.  It must be fixed, and only the people can fix it. 

Third, treat the rest of Laredo with respect, when driving, when conversing, even in the parking lot at the grocery store.  On the road, remember everyone has  the same “time” issues you have.  Do not cut in and out of traffic and remember, being second in line at the stoplight is not representative of you manhood (insert womanhood if required).  While at the grocery store, do me, and the rest of the folks a favor and put your shopping cart in one of the cart holders.  Don’t leave it in a parking space.  That just screws up everything for everybody else.

Fourth is trash.  Put you trash in a trash can or keep it in your car until you get home.  Nothing is more noticeable to a visitor to our community than the amount of trash they see along the roads or piled up in parking lots.  There is no excuse for littering.  Laziness is not an excuse.

Fifth is community involvement.   Pay attention to what is happening around you.  Join a group, any group that has a community focus.  Offer your special talents, and who knows, you may be the leader that helps the city move forward.

Sixth, and this is really important for Laredo going forward.  Community leaders, and community groups, be they trade groups, charities, or whatever, YOU MUST GET YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED.  Over 50% or so of Laredo is under age 25.  How can we not have those people involved in the decision making process.  So, you old timers who make the circuit of being officers in clubs and organizations, MOVE OVER and let the youth in.  You would be surprised what they might come up with.

Finally Laredo, let us not be selfish.  Ah, now you say this is about charity.  Nope.  Actually, quite the opposite.  Quit thinking that you are owed something from your neighbor, fellow city resident, or fellow American, because you are not.   Take responsibility for yourself and your family.  Do what you can to see to that your children are in school, and work with them in the learning process.  Quit being jealous of those that have more than you do.  If you want more, earn it, work for it.  I have heard too many times in Laredo people say’ “Well you got yours, now we want ours.”  I have no problem with that statement as long as you are willing to work for it and earn it.  Charity is for the truly downtrodden. 

If you are really proud of this city as you all seem to be in your posts, PROVE IT.