When I discuss with others my life, I tell them that when I found out I was HIV positive was a blessing. It has helped to transform me from being a self-centered individual into a compassionate one.
Augusta, there is so much I want to say to you, but I only have 300 words. I am proud to call myself a native. You have given me so much and I am grateful.
Renita Crawford of WJBF Channel 6 news said on June 27 of this year, my 47th birthday, that "...Augusta is third in the state for the number of newly diagnosed HIV case, and we are fourth in the state for the total number of HIV cases....our district has the highest number of individuals living with HIV, AIDS."
WRDW Channel 12 reported that "...unemployment in Georgia rose in September to 6.5 percent." This is a fact ladies and gentlemen. We are now second only to the state of Michigan.
It disturbs me when I read that Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority wants to spend up to $250 million to build a 20,000-seat facility and pay someone another $150,000 a year as a special consultant.
We have people going without proper health care. We have children going hungry at night. We have gang crime and drugs running rapid in our city.
This is my humble suggestion.
If you want a place for entertainment then spend about $15 million to help Mr. Knox restore the beautiful and historic Miller Theater and use the other $235,000 million to bring secure jobs back to Augusta and help the underserved of this wonderful city.
As we bring the year 2008 to a close let us remember the words of George Bernard Shaw, "A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out."
W. Michael Strickland, Atlanta
Comments
Nero realized that, if he gave Roman citizens their circuses, they would acquiesce in his fiddling, abuses of his imperial power, and deterioration of the fabric of their society. Unfortunately, greater Augusta is beset with its own Neros more interested in doing what's beneficial for themselves than in doing what's right for the greater Augusta community.
Augustans have never supported the 8000 seat coliseum that we have now. The opening act, Aerosmith, was canceled because of poor ticket sales. The Golf Hall of Fame has gone under. Augustans are not content unless they have something that they can gripe about. Save the money. We don't need a ball park either.
My God its been a couple of years since Golf and Gardens closed, you would think people would be ready for G&G packaged in a different way, bu now! After all isn't the economy booming and people are going about their lives in a very care-free way, there should be no problem fillilg a 20,00 seat Arrow Smith with people willing to pay up to $150.00 or more per seat. I mean whats important, eating and paying your bills or having fun?
The Miller Theatre should and can be saved. Hats off to Peter Knox for stabilizing the Miller and allowing Augusta and the CSRA an opportunity to save a historic treasure in our community. We are so fortunate to still have this beautiful building. Let's preserve our current historic buildings before embarking on new ones.
Everyone is correct. We don't need to do anything in Augusta to change the status quo. It would be unthinkable to attempt anything that would look like growth. I think we are perfect just the way we are. Just look at what has happened to Macon and Savannah when they started investing in the growth of their cities. People began to move there and businesses relocated there. We just can't have that kinda thing happen to our community.
I grow up watching movies @ The Miller and would love to see it restored to the beauty it once was. The Miller has an amazing history that few realize, but will in time perhaps.I have recently discovered a website called FRIENDS OF THE MILLER.Maybe now is the time to do what the citizens in Atlanta did years ago when they started a campaign to SAVE THE FOX. Can you image driving down Peachtree Street not seeing the fabulous Fox Theater instead a parking complex? How about driving down Broad Street not seeing The Miller Theater instead a parking lot?
OOPS!!!I GREW UP WATCHING....
Since I'm back due to improper grammar I'd like to say one more thing about The Miller.I feel it should be a multi use facility for our entire community.
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