FREE WHITEWATER

It’s What’s Inside That Truly Matters

 

For years, Whitewater has seen construction project after construction project: a new high school, remodeled buildings, a Bridge to Nowhere, a roundabout, an Innovation Center, a Starin Road extension, an East Gate project, etc.

 

And yet, and yet…it’s what’s inside that truly matters.

While many a formerly-fine church has come to ruin for its neglected teachings, still house churches of true devotion emerge across the planet.

Old Whitewater – a state of mind, not a person or chronological age – loves nothing so much as a big project & a big show.

For it all, shovels, construction helmets, ceremonies, contractors, architects, politicians, and photo opportunities will instruct not one student for even one day.

Update 2: See in the comments section below insightful comments from George Bailey and J, and my reply.

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George Bailey
7 years ago

The East Gate, Innovation Center, Road to Nowhere and Roundabout- are all colossal wastes and an insult. That wasted money would have been very useful/ welcome to go into WUSD schools- more teachers-smaller classrooms-more academic offerings/opportunities. However, I disagree with the implied notion (maybe unintentionally?) that renovating WUSD schools falls in the same category as the wasteful, dubious projects above. True enough- it is the activities within the school walls that is the paramount priority, but I feel that facilities upgrades are necessary every 20-25 years- shiny shovels, flowery speeches and business suits in hard hats can be shelved though.

J
Reply to  JOHN ADAMS
7 years ago

I believe two points are relevant. First, I’m with George on the merits. The new buildings and such are worth the cost.That’s the heart of the matter. Otherwise you throw out the baby with (a lot) of bath water. Second, however, is how I laughed when I saw your post. My first thought was, “tell us what you really think about boosterism, John”.The post isn’t clear about spending because it’s preoccupied with that critique.This theme runs through so much of what you write.In fact your analogy about empty churches and private worship is stark. It portrays boosterism like a weak (or false) faith. You say it distorts signals “where every message is the same no matter what the underlying circumstances or value”.The test for you and the rest of us to present a concrete alternative that keeps them from too much “misallocation”. That’s hard but it is where you are on solid ground with many opportunities.