Sometimes life can take a crazy turn and leave you speechless. As I spent time on the Hill this past week, that is how I felt and I began to ponder my purpose for The Jasper Jewel. (just so you know, it probably won’t be the last time I contemplate my purpose).

One thing I realized this week is that as we live our lives, we get caught up in the day-to-day, back and forth, only to forget that we are not here for a tit-for-tat session against our fellow man. Does that mean that we are to sit back and not say anything — NO — but sometimes you just have to be quiet for a moment and listen.

Another thing I realized is we all see the world through different lenses. For instance, I see and believe that public institutions, public offices, and city employees work 100% for the people, and transparency is a must. I see and believe that every public records request should be provided to the requester in a timely manner, free of charge. I do not understand why some people are charged for their requests while others are not. I am grateful for the records that I have received free of charge, but Ms. Renee Harrington posted an email earlier showing the fees she was being charged for records she has requested — why? Then you have those, such as the Chamber of Commerce, who have ignored requests altogether. PSA: this was just a test — I don’t care if you send me the records or not, it is apparent by your lack of communication just how you feel about public records. And whether or not it is true, your refusal to simply “reply” suggests that the records are not on the up and up.

During my downtime, I had taken the time to write my thoughts on the statement Mayor Land made concerning the recent changes resulting from the city council meeting. By now, we have all seen the video or read the article, and the only thing I have to say is that TRUE leadership should inspire trust and present a clear vision for positive change. How you interpret that statement, or anything for that matter, is clearly an individual thing. Case in point: as I was scrolling the other day, I happened upon a couple of posts on the Jasper TX Community Bulletin page (posts in comments). A member of the group posted the mayor’s statement, and a separate post showing their support for him. What I realized by their post is that the clear defense of Mayor Land suggests that they do not see things through the same lenses as I do. It is apparent that they view those that ask questions and speak out as “bullies that only look to seek and destroy.” However, many people view them as citizens looking for equality and truth for our community. Are we truly that different? The difference in the way we view things is shocking to say the least — but don’t you think the way we view things is a choice?

If that’s the case the choice is yours — how do you want to proceed through life? How do you choose to see the world?
Do you want transparency and change or do you want it all to remain the same?