It is astounding how addicted people become to government provided things. It is as if these things are free and the government has no right taking them away. Ronald Reagan once said: “Government programs, once launched, never disappear.“ Unfortunately, it is more true today than even when he said it. Let’s face it, we are addicted to city, county, state and federal services and programs whether they be good, bad, indifferent, or too expensive to continue.

A case in point is the recent closing of a few of the state parks, drivers license offices, and national guard armories. From the reaction of a few, you would think Armageddon was at hand. Although, other locations are available for people to obtain photo IDs, and drivers’ license examiners will be available once a month at the closed locations, it hasn’t quelled the criticism. Perhaps if the Legislative payroll wasn’t so high, the state could afford to staff these offices more often. The detractors solutions always comes in the form of obligating the state for more money it doesn’t have. When you are in a hole, you don’t keep digging.

The county and city are in no position to be spending money on services not essential to the residents. Recreation or entertainment should not be a top priority for either.

Garbage pick up is essential, yet we are presently signing up for another garbage service in the city simply because the other service couldn’t afford to continue picking up garbage without being paid. The new service is going to cost more. Reckon it is to make up for those who do not pay? I’m sure it has to be a factor.

The state park at Camp Grist probably would well have been left pad locked. Granted, I have not heard the plans or cost of operating the park, but I do know there are other concerns in the county. I wonder how many people use Camp Grist? I drove through it once or twice in my 50 years here. If anything, charge a membership fee sufficient to pay for the upkeep. That way, the folks who use it will be paying for it. The county has a road problem, something that is beneficial to rural residents and the transport of goods to markets. In my opinion, the money spent on Camp Grist could be better spent on repairing and maintaining dilapidated roads.

Likewise, the city needs to work on streets, storm drains and sewage lines rather than pouring money into the St. James, the amphitheater and Water Avenue entertainment. Selma is not likely to attract many people until it is presentable and visitors do not fear for their life. We need decent pay for and more police officers, and upgraded infrastructure, not entertainment. More officers are needed in the streets and neighborhoods preventing crime and enforcing city ordinances.

What Selma really needs is more of Jesus, and less of the devil.