freedom of information has its price..

In an effort to quell the rumor that a new business is opening in Eagle Pass, I decided to call their corporate office because they love to announce their expansions into new markets and so on. I soon found out that they do not have a corporate number listed so I decided to start at the bottom and call customer service and explained why I wanted to talk to the higher ups. The lady was polite but immediately assumed that tone of voice that we have all heard when they are not going to help you. I describe that tone as a curt, staccato and almost metallic sound. Its sounds like the time someone told you “I’m sorry but the manager is not here so there is nothing we can do.” The lady asked what I needed and I explained that I wanted to speak with someone at corporate level about a rumor that his or her chain was opening a new store in Eagle Pass. “No that is not true” was her answer. “No it’s not true and besides that information is confidential and I can not disclose it,” she said. My answer was, “ I know you may not be able to disclose it that is why I am asking to speak to your corporate level people.” I felt I was not going to get through her so I asked her, “So, if I write that according to Jennifer; a company spokesperson, your company is not opening a new store in Eagle Pass, I would not be lying…correct?”

My frustration reminded me of another attempt I had made at getting information but this time I was sure I could get it because my request was so simple.

That was the time I asked the City of Eagle Pass for the list of the applicants for the city manager’s position. I sent my request via email from San Antonio. As the day went by I grew anxious but after four days I got a reply from the city secretary via email that my information was ready and that I needed to come by their offices in Eagle Pass for the list. But I also needed to pay the City of Eagle Pass ten cents for the copy.

So as you can see, freedom of information has its price.

Cynicism is growing...

Cynicism is described as an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others. Cynicism is growing at the national level, as we feel helpless in stopping the escalating fuel prices, increase in food costs, increase in college tuitions, mounting foreclosures and lost jobs.

We have been dependent on government to intervene and help. But as reported in a recent report that is not happening, at least not yet. In the meantime our bad economic condition has meant fewer cable channels, more meals at home, postponed doctor appointments, missed vacations and delayed credit card payments.

Among the many thoughts that go through my mind on a daily basis, I often try to rationalize the root of the cynicism that permeates our community and not only from those that have done without but from those that are marginally successful.

Many in our community look at our local elected officials to step in and do something but we quickly realize that if the Federal government can’t stop the problem at the national level what hope is there for us at the local level.

The only thing that fuels the discontent is that our local political candidates keep making promises in exchange for votes. They promise to bring industry knowing well that it is difficult and in many cases almost impossible. Some are critical because new businesses offer only minimum wage opportunities and not the industry wages once promised.

While there may be no solutions to the escalating economic distress, we can ask our elected officials, boards and those in charge to be frugal and not flaunt our taxpayer money in choices that do not serve our community or us.