Dear editor,

Walt Kelly first used the quote “We have met the enemy and he is us” on a poster for Earth Day in 1970. This quotation would be an accurate description of Selma and its citizens today.

I am involved in a Chamber of Commerce committee, Selma Showcase, which has been formed to recruit professionals, businesses, and business leaders to Selma, and to help retain them. Our first event was a reception for those who have recently moved here. It was a great success and really put a positive spin on Selma and it citizens.

This past week, there was a surgeon in town who was interested in coming to Selma. Like all potential newcomers, he began to ask people what they thought of Selma. The response was so negative that he probably will not be coming. Despite many wonderful things happening in Selma today, some people seem to want to focus on the negative. I ask you people the following question. What have you accomplished? Is Selma better off? Do we have a wonderful new doctor that will help us all and add to our community?

I ask everyone in Selma to educate yourself. If you do not know the many great positive things happening here, please call Sheryl Smedley at the Chamber of Commerce. If you simply cannot say anything good about Selma, then step aside and let those of us who love this city and county have a chance to move forward.

There is another old saying that seems appropriate; “you catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar.”

I ask everyone to start today to become a part of the “new” Selma. Together we can move this city forward. Together we can have a vibrant, progressive city that we all are proud of. It happens one person at a time.

Lee Youngblood, Chairman

Selma Showcase Committee